The First Annual Kovy Awards

Ladies and Gentlemen, too long have we gone without recognizing the superlatives in the NHL. While the league does recognize some accomplishments, it ignores other significant milestones.
So we here at Kovalev's Kousin have come out with ten very special awards to recognize these teams and individuals:


The Jerry Seinfeld Trophy: awarded to the most obnoxious, asshole fans in the league

The Late 90's Rangers Memorial Cup: awarded to the league's most overrated team

The Alexandre Daigle Memorial Trophy: awarded to the league's most overrated player

The Gary Bettman Trophy: awarded for the league's worst management

The Barry Melrose Trophy: awarded to the league's most obnoxious douchebag broadcaster

The Mario Tremblay memorial Trophy: awarded to the league's worst coach

The Gorton's Fisherman Memorial Trophy: awarded for the league's worst uniform

The Claude Lemieux Trophy: awarded to the league's biggest pansy for acts of cowardice and gutlessness.

The Alexei Yashin Memorial Trophy: awarded to the league's most overpaid player

Most Ridiculous Location for a Hockey Team (soon to be named after its first recipient): awarded to the team that has no reason to be where it is.


Award finalists will be announced after the playoffs are over. Until then, feel free to post YOUR nominees in the comments section.

The Best of the Rest

Here's the wonderful segment where we find out just how badly we picked players.
What follows is an all-star team of players NOT chosen in our pool, and what they would be bringing in for points.

Alex Semin (WAS): 5G 3A 4W = 17 pts
Eric Staal (CAR): 5G 2A 4W = 16 pts
Michael Ryder (BOS): 4G 3A 4W = 15 pts
Cam Barker (CHI): 3G 3A 4W = 13 pts
Tom Poti (WAS): 2G 4A 4W = 12 pts
Jonas Hiller (ANA)/ 2SO 4W = 8 pts
Simeon Varlamov (WAS)

Total: 81 pts

Conclusion: we know jack about hockey. Or the future.

Scores and Standings 4/29

So the Devils are out, idiot Hurricanes move on. Seriously, what is up with this team? Largely unchanged since their cup run in 2006, this team seems to enjoy vacillating between incompetence and excellence.
In any case, I'll go on record here and now: Go Bruins. That's right. I'm sick of pasty-faced Eric Staal, ugliest-man-in-the-world Rod Brind'Amour and the stupid Hurricanes fans. Please note: Watching your local team win the Stanley Cup does not mean you now know anything more about hockey than you did when the team moved to Greensboro and had to block off the upper level to make it look like they had more people in the stands. At least the Bruins are an original six team, full of history, and rabid (if somewhat misguided ;-)) fans. It also helps that I've got two of 'em.

Washington proves me wrong after a very shaky first period. Ah well.


No games until friday. Stay tuned though: I have some special announcements for some off-season entertainment that should be a lot of fun.


1) Bride of Kovalev: 59 (59)
Marian Hossa (F, Det)
Henrik Zetterberg (F, Det)
Evgeni Malkin (F, Pit)
Dennis Wideman (D, Bos)
E Dan Boyle (D, SJ)
Martin Brodeur (G, NJ) 0


2) Derek: 54 (53)
Alex Ovechkin (F, Was) W=1
Sidney Crosby (F, Pit)
Mark Recchi (F, Bos)
E Dion Phaneuf (D, Cal)
Scott Niedermayer (D, Ana)
Tim Thomas (G, Bos)


3) Geoff: 52 (52)
Johan Franzen (F, Det)
Marc Savard (F, Bos)
Bill Guerin (F, Pit)
Niklas Lidstrom (D, Det)
Zdeno Chara (D, Bos)
JS Giguere (G, Ana)


T4) P-Stone: 46 (45)
Pavel Datsyuk (F, Det)
E Joe Thornton (F, SJ)
Zach Parise (F, NJ) A=1
Brian Rafalski (D, Det)
Niklas Kronwall (D, Det)
E Evgeni Nabokov (G, SJ)


T4) Number 31: 46 (44)
E Alex Kovalev (F, Mon)
Chris Kunitz (F, Pit)
Jonathan Toews (F, Chi)
Sergei Gonchar (D, Pit)
Mike Green (D, Was) A,W=2
Nicolai Khabibulin (G, Chi)

Scores and Standings 4/28

DUCKS PULL THE UPSET! Seriously, I'm not all that surprised. There's a reason I don't take Sharks in my playoff teams. This is a team that cannot get it done in the post-season. Anyone want to make the obvious connection between Joe Thornton and his involvement with disappointing teams?

P-Stone is now putting all his hopes in Detroit. But, several of us have enough Red Wings to make it very tough for him to pull away even if they do win the Cup.

Can someone tell me how I'm the only person to survive the first round with all my players intact, and yet I'm only in third place?

Two great games tonight. Rangers-Capitals at 7, Hurricanes-Devils at 7:30. Any predictions?


1) Bride of Kovalev: 59 (58)
Marian Hossa (F, Det)
Henrik Zetterberg (F, Det)
Evgeni Malkin (F, Pit)
Dennis Wideman (D, Bos)
Dan Boyle (D, SJ) A=1
Martin Brodeur (G, NJ)


2) Derek: 53 (51)
Alex Ovechkin (F, Was)
Sidney Crosby (F, Pit)
Mark Recchi (F, Bos)
Dion Phaneuf (D, Cal) 0
Scott Niedermayer (D, Ana) A,W=2
Tim Thomas (G, Bos)


3) Geoff: 52 (51)
Johan Franzen (F, Det)
Marc Savard (F, Bos)
Bill Guerin (F, Pit)
Niklas Lidstrom (D, Det)
Zdeno Chara (D, Bos)
JS Giguere (G, Ana) W=1


4) P-Stone: 45 (45)
Pavel Datsyuk (F, Det)
Joe Thornton (F, SJ) 0
Zach Parise (F, NJ)
Brian Rafalski (D, Det)
Niklas Kronwall (D, Det)
Evgeni Nabokov (G, SJ) 0


5) Number 31: 44 (42)
E Alex Kovalev (F, Mon)
Chris Kunitz (F, Pit)
Jonathan Toews (F, Chi) W=1
Sergei Gonchar (D, Pit)
Mike Green (D, Was)
Nicolai Khabibulin (G, Chi) W=1

Scores and Standings 4/27

So who cares to make a prediction on the Carolina-New Jersey series? I still think the Rangers will win (for some reason). Chicago and Anaheim can close out their series tonight, with game sevens to be played tomorrow.


1) Bride of Kovalev: 58 (58)
Marian Hossa (F, Det)
Henrik Zetterberg (F, Det)
Evgeni Malkin (F, Pit)
Dennis Wideman (D, Bos)
Dan Boyle (D, SJ)
Martin Brodeur (G, NJ) 0


T2) Geoff: 51 (51)
Johan Franzen (F, Det)
Marc Savard (F, Bos)
Bill Guerin (F, Pit)
Niklas Lidstrom (D, Det)
Zdeno Chara (D, Bos)
JS Giguere (G, Ana)


T2) Derek: 51 (48)
Alex Ovechkin (F, Was) G,W=3
Sidney Crosby (F, Pit)
Mark Recchi (F, Bos)
Dion Phaneuf (D, Cal)
Scott Niedermayer (D, Ana)
Tim Thomas (G, Bos)


4) P-Stone: 45 (45)
Pavel Datsyuk (F, Det)
Joe Thornton (F, SJ)
Zach Parise (F, NJ) 0
Brian Rafalski (D, Det)
Niklas Kronwall (D, Det)
Evgeni Nabokov (G, SJ)


5) Number 31: 42 (39)
E Alex Kovalev (F, Mon)
Chris Kunitz (F, Pit)
Jonathan Toews (F, Chi)
Sergei Gonchar (D, Pit)
Mike Green (D, Was) G,W=3
Nicolai Khabibulin (G, Chi)

Scores and Standings 4/26

Sorry for not getting the scores up yesterday. Derek actually overtook P-Stone and had to wait until today to see it. Flyers are gone (good riddance) but that was an exciting game.

Update: John Tortorella has been suspended for today's game in New York because he lost his temper and got into an altercation with a Washington fan behind the Rangers' bench. That's fine, but the NHL ought to recognize that the reason this happened is because there were gaps between the glass panels behind the bench. This allowed a fan to reach in and poke Tortorella, which started the incident.
If I were commissioner, I would certainly suspend Tortorella, but I would also mandate that Washington fix the glass behind the bench to where there are no gaps. If they did not fix it in time for game 7, they would forfeit home ice for that game.


1) Bride of Kovalev: 58 (54)
Marian Hossa (F, Det)
Henrik Zetterberg (F, Det)
Evgeni Malkin (F, Pit) 2A,W=3
Dennis Wideman (D, Bos)
Dan Boyle (D, SJ) W=1
Martin Brodeur (G, NJ)


2) Geoff: 51 (49)
Johan Franzen (F, Det)
Marc Savard (F, Bos)
Bill Guerin (F, Pit) A,W=2
Niklas Lidstrom (D, Det)
Zdeno Chara (D, Bos)
JS Giguere (G, Ana) 0


3) Derek: 48 (41)
Alex Ovechkin (F, Was)
Sidney Crosby (F, Pit) 2G,W=5
Mark Recchi (F, Bos)
Dion Phaneuf (D, Cal) 0
Scott Niedermayer (D, Ana) 2A=2
Tim Thomas (G, Bos)


4) P-Stone: 45 (39)
Pavel Datsyuk (F, Det)
Joe Thornton (F, SJ) G,2A,W=5
Zach Parise (F, NJ)
Brian Rafalski (D, Det)
Niklas Kronwall (D, Det)
Evgeni Nabokov (G, SJ) W=1


5) Number 31: 39 (32)
E Alex Kovalev (F, Mon)
Chris Kunitz (F, Pit) W=1
Jonathan Toews (F, Chi) A,W=2
Sergei Gonchar (D, Pit) G,W=3
Mike Green (D, Was)
Nicolai Khabibulin (G, Chi) W=1

Scores and Standings 4/25

1) Bride of Kovalev: 54 (54)
Marian Hossa (F, Det)
Henrik Zetterberg (F, Det)
Evgeni Malkin (F, Pit)
Dennis Wideman (D, Bos)
Dan Boyle (D, SJ)
Martin Brodeur (G, NJ)


2) Geoff: 49 (49)
Johan Franzen (F, Det)
Marc Savard (F, Bos)
Bill Guerin (F, Pit)
Niklas Lidstrom (D, Det)
Zdeno Chara (D, Bos)
JS Giguere (G, Ana)


3) Derek: 41 (38)
Alex Ovechkin (F, Was) G,W=3
Sidney Crosby (F, Pit)
Mark Recchi (F, Bos)
Dion Phaneuf (D, Cal)
Scott Niedermayer (D, Ana)
Tim Thomas (G, Bos)


4) P-Stone: 39 (39)
Pavel Datsyuk (F, Det)
Joe Thornton (F, SJ)
Zach Parise (F, NJ)
Brian Rafalski (D, Det)
Niklas Kronwall (D, Det)
Evgeni Nabokov (G, SJ)


5) Number 31: 32 (30)
E Alex Kovalev (F, Mon)
Chris Kunitz (F, Pit)
Jonathan Toews (F, Chi)
Sergei Gonchar (D, Pit)
Mike Green (D, Was) A,W=2
Nicolai Khabibulin (G, Chi)

Scores and Standings 4/24

I am SO going with Derek's idea to draft team goaltending next year. I could have had two shutouts with Hiller if I had chosen DUCKS goaltending. WTF.

Anyway, Detroit eliminates Columbus (shocked!), Devils take game 5 to go up 3-2, I feel vindicated in my decision to take NO Sharks, and Phhhbbbilly postpones the inevitable.

That's all I got.



1) Bride of Kovalev: 54 (45)
Marian Hossa (F, Det) 2G,W=5
Henrik Zetterberg (F, Det) W=1
Evgeni Malkin (F, Pit) 0
Dennis Wideman (D, Bos)
Dan Boyle (D, SJ) 0
Martin Brodeur (G, NJ) W,SO=3


2) Geoff: 49 (41)
Johan Franzen (F, Det) G,W=3
Marc Savard (F, Bos)
Bill Guerin (F, Pit) 0
Niklas Lidstrom (D, Det) G,A,W=4
Zdeno Chara (D, Bos)
JS Giguere (G, Ana) W=1


3) P-Stone: 39 (31)
Pavel Datsyuk (F, Det) A,W=2
Joe Thornton (F, SJ) 0
Zach Parise (F, NJ) W=1
Brian Rafalski (D, Det) A,W=2
Niklas Kronwall (D, Det) 2A,W=3
Evgeni Nabokov (G, SJ) 0


4) Derek: 38 (37)
Alex Ovechkin (F, Was)
Sidney Crosby (F, Pit) 0
Mark Recchi (F, Bos)
Dion Phaneuf (D, Cal)
Scott Niedermayer (D, Ana) W=1
Tim Thomas (G, Bos)


5) Number 31: 30 (30)
E Alex Kovalev (F, Mon)
Chris Kunitz (F, Pit) 0
Jonathan Toews (F, Chi)
Sergei Gonchar (D, Pit) 0
Mike Green (D, Was)
Nicolai Khabibulin (G, Chi)

Scores and Standings 4/23

Well that was fun, wasn't it?
I have several thoughts going through my head. One is, Montreal fans are asses. Not all of them, but a good enough number to make me very sad. Jack Edwards, in a rare fit of accuracy and acumen, called it a "Patrick Roy moment" when Carey Price, jeered by fans for making a save on a 90-foot shot, raised his arms in mock salute to the braying (m)asses. Granted, Price could have played better, but he also could have played a lot worse. What made me even sadder was the treatment the fans gave the team when the game was over. I was touched, as I was last season, by the Habs all gathering at center ice to raise their sticks to salute the fans. There were lots of cheers, but I also heard a smattering of boos. Boos. To a team that is trying to acknowledge its fans. Simply awful.

I also would like to point out to Dave Stubbs that if the Habs are indeed victims of "absurd expectations," then it is Bob Gainey who is to blame, since he stated very clearly that he was going to make a serious run at the Stanley Cup in 2009. Gainey set those expectations, Mr. Stubbs, and the fans believed him. The fans waited patiently when the veteran goaltender was dealt last season, and no one else was brought in, because, hey, we believed Gainey knew what he was doing. And after all, it was the 2009 season that we would make the Cup run, not 2008. Then, in that promised year, Gainey failed to bring in marquee additions at the deadline. He failed to rectify the horrible coaching that was happening. Bob Gainey defaulted on his promise, on the expectations that HE set. So don't tell me that our expectations were "absurd," Mr. Stubbs, when it was the team's own GM who told us exactly what expectations to have.

I don't feel like getting into the free agent discussion now, since there will be plenty of time for that later. Suffice to say that I am extremely sad today, knowing that Saku Koivu and Alexei Kovalev may very well have played their last games for Montreal.



1) Bride of Kovalev: 45 (43)
Marian Hossa (F, Det)
Henrik Zetterberg (F, Det)
Evgeni Malkin (F, Pit)
Dennis Wideman (D, Bos) A,W=2
Dan Boyle (D, SJ)
Martin Brodeur (G, NJ)


2) Geoff: 41 (39)
Johan Franzen (F, Det)
Marc Savard (F, Bos) W=1
Bill Guerin (F, Pit)
Niklas Lidstrom (D, Det)
Zdeno Chara (D, Bos) W=1
JS Giguere (G, Ana)


3) Derek: 37 (31)
Alex Ovechkin (F, Was) G=2
Sidney Crosby (F, Pit)
Mark Recchi (F, Bos) W=1
Dion Phaneuf (D, Cal) A,W=2
Scott Niedermayer (D, Ana)
Tim Thomas (G, Bos) W=1


4) P-Stone: 31 (31)
Pavel Datsyuk (F, Det)
Joe Thornton (F, SJ)
Zach Parise (F, NJ)
Brian Rafalski (D, Det)
Niklas Kronwall (D, Det)
Evgeni Nabokov (G, SJ)


5) Number 31: 30 (30)
Alex Kovalev (F, Mon)
Chris Kunitz (F, Pit)
Jonathan Toews (F, Chi) 0
Sergei Gonchar (D, Pit)
Mike Green (D, Was) 0
Nicolai Khabibulin (G, Chi) 0

Scores and Standings 4/22

Holy Shit, BoK had a good night. Zetterberg and Boyle combine for 11 points, and rocket her right to the top of the standings.

What a way for St Louis to go out--talk about a bad goal to end the series. And to think I considered taking Luongo. I will never doubt you again, oh ye of gigantic pads!
Penguins say "excuse me, we're supposed to win this series, thank you," to the Pppppbbbbbhlyers. NJ-Carolina is going seven games, who knows who'll win?
San Jose makes a series of it by making adjustments, and has anyone seen Osgood play lately? It's unbelievable how some goalies can turn it on in the playoffs. There must be some mojo in goalies who wear those crazy old-school helmet/cats-eye cage combos. Hasek, Osgood, and now Tim Thomas, all winning. Someone get Carey Price a Cooper helmet! Yeah, just tell him that he can paint Garth Brooks and little horsies on it all he wants, just get him to wear the damn Cooper bowling ball helmet!

Get out yer brooms tonight. I just want the misery to end.


1) Bride of Kovalev: 43 (29)
Marian Hossa (F, Det) A,W=2
Henrik Zetterberg (F, Det) 2G,W=5
Evgeni Malkin (F, Pit) W=1
Dennis Wideman (D, Bos)
Dan Boyle (D, SJ) 2G,A,W=6
Martin Brodeur (G, NJ) 0


2) Geoff: 39 (34)
Johan Franzen (F, Det) 2A,W=3
Marc Savard (F, Bos)
Bill Guerin (F, Pit) W=1
Niklas Lidstrom (D, Det) W=1
Zdeno Chara (D, Bos)
JS Giguere (G, Ana) 0


T3) Derek: 31 (28)
Alex Ovechkin (F, Was)
Sidney Crosby (F, Pit) G,W=3
Mark Recchi (F, Bos)
Dion Phaneuf (D, Cal)
Scott Niedermayer (D, Ana) 0
Tim Thomas (G, Bos)


T3) P-Stone: 31 (24)
Pavel Datsyuk (F, Det) W=1
Joe Thornton (F, SJ) A,W=2
Zach Parise (F, NJ) 0
Brian Rafalski (D, Det) A,W=2
Niklas Kronwall (D, Det) W=1
Evgeni Nabokov (G, SJ) W=1


5) Number 31: 30 (27)
Alex Kovalev (F, Mon)
Chris Kunitz (F, Pit) A,W=2
Jonathan Toews (F, Chi)
Sergei Gonchar (D, Pit) W=1
Mike Green (D, Was)
Nicolai Khabibulin (G, Chi)

Scores and Standings 4/21

So, Number 31 was at last night's Canadiens game, and tells us the sad tale on her blog. Habs suck, Gainey is dead to me.

Flames make a series of it, as do the Caps. As Vanilla Ice said, Go Ovie, go Ovie go!


1) Geoff: 34 (31)
Johan Franzen (F, Det)
Marc Savard (F, Bos) W=1
Bill Guerin F, Pit)
Niklas Lidstrom (D, Det)
Zdeno Chara (D, Bos) A,W=2
JS Giguere (G, Ana)


2) Bride of Kovalev: 29 (26)
Marian Hossa (F, Det)
Henrik Zetterberg (F, Det)
Evgeni Malkin (F, Pit)
Dennis Wideman (D, Bos) 2A,W=3
Dan Boyle (D, SJ)
Martin Brodeur (G, NJ)


3) Derek: 28 (22)
Alex Ovechkin (F, Was) 2A,W=3
Sidney Crosby (F, Pit)
Mark Recchi (F, Bos) W=1
Dion Phaneuf (D, Cal) W=1
Scott Niedermayer (D, Ana)
Tim Thomas (G, Bos) W=1


4) Number 31: 27 (24)
Alex Kovalev (F, Mon) 0
Chris Kunitz (F, Pit)
Jonathan Toews (F, Chi) 2A=2
Sergei Gonchar (D, Pit)
Mike Green (D, Was) W=1
Nicolai Khabibulin (G, Chi) 0


5) P-Stone: 24 (24)
Pavel Datsyuk (F, Det)
Joe Thornton (F, SJ)
Zach Parise (F, NJ)
Brian Rafalski (D, Det)
Niklas Kronwall (D, Det)
Evgeni Nabokov (G, SJ)

Scores and Standings 4/20

The Ducks have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in their series against San Jose and have taken both road games. I was honestly expecting a better performance from the Blues, but that series was pretty hard to predict; no one wanted to take a chance on it. I see the NJ-Car series going all seven games. Ppppbbbbhilly beat up on the Penguins, but I don't think they have a chance to win the series.

Bruins-Habs tonight. I don't understand NHL officiating at all. Slightly unbalanced calls in game 2, and a suspension for Lucic. Does that make it even out? Whatever it is, the NHL refs are odd. Probably more fair would have been to call game 2 evenly, and suspend Lapierre for what happened in game 1, and Lucic for game 2. But that's just me.


1) Geoff: 31 (30)
Johan Franzen (F, Det)
Marc Savard (F, Bos)
Bill Guerin (F, Pit) 0
Niklas Lidstrom (D, Det)
Zdeno Chara (D, Bos)
JS Giguere (G, Ana) W=1


2) Bride of Kovalev: 26 (21)
Marian Hossa (F, Det)
Henrik Zetterberg (F, Det)
Evgeni Malkin (F, Pit) 2G=4
Dennis Wideman (D, Bos)
Dan Boyle (D, SJ) 0
Martin Brodeur (G, NJ) W=1


3) Number 31: 24 (22)
Alex Kovalev (F, Mon)
Chris Kunitz (F, Pit) A=1
Jonathan Toews (F, Chi)
Sergei Gonchar (D, Pit) A=1
Mike Green (D, Was)
Nicolai Khabibulin (G, Chi)


4) P-Stone: 24 (19)
Pavel Datsyuk (F, Det)
Joe Thornton (F, SJ) A=1
Zach Parise (F, NJ) G,A,W=4
Brian Rafalski (D, Det)
Niklas Kronwall (D, Det)
Evgeni Nabokov (G, SJ) 0


5) Derek: 22 (18)
Alex Ovechkin (F, Was)
Sidney Crosby (F, Pit) 2A=2
Mark Recchi (F, Bos)
Dion Phaneuf (D, Cal)
Scott Niedermayer (D, Ana) A,W=2
Tim Thomas (G, Bos)

Scores and Standings 4/19

So. Habs-Bruins. What's to say? I haven't really gotten all that upset so far this series. The reason? Moreso than in past years, I know what this team is capable of, and that is "not all that much." Montreal, in previous years, always had that upset potential. Last year, they had Stanley Cup Finals potential, but Bob Gainey traded away their veteran goaltender, (and did nothing else to put them over the top) with predictable results. This year, the Habs have been "meh," plagued with injuries, some sort of malaise, and horrible, horrible coaching that was dealt with far too late. The word "disappointment" comes to mind, but that's not quite accurate. "Disappointment" assumes some sort of expectation that has not been met. While Gainey's utter failure as a competent manager has been disappointing, that does not extend to the team. They, the players, have met my expectations. I know what they are capable of, and that is exactly what I have seen. So what's the word? Perhaps the phrase 'Fuck it' sums it up as succinctly as possible.

Hey, at least I'm benefiting from the Bruins kicking the crap out of my Habs. And while I think #31 may have made a long-term error in pickign Kovy, he sure is bringing the bacon home for her right now, isn't he?


1) Geoff: 30 (17)
Johan Franzen (F, Det) A,W=2
Marc Savard (F, Bos) 2G,2A,W=7
Bill Guerin (F, Pit)
Niklas Lidstrom (D, Det) 2A,W=3
Zdeno Chara (D, Bos) W=1
JS Giguere (G, Ana)


2) Number 31: 22 (14)
Alex Kovalev (F, Mon) G=2
Chris Kunitz (F, Pit)
Jonathan Toews (F, Chi) 2G,W=5
Sergei Gonchar (D, Pit)
Mike Green (D, Was)
Nicolai Khabibulin (G, Chi) W=1


3) Bride of Kovalev: 21 (14)
Marian Hossa (F, Det) A,W=2
Henrik Zetterberg (F, Det) G,W=3
Evgeni Malkin (F, Pit)
Dennis Wideman (D, Bos) A,W=2
Dan Boyle (D, SJ)
Martin Brodeur (G, NJ)


4) P-Stone: 19 (11)
Pavel Datsyuk (F, Det) G,W=3
Joe Thornton (F, SJ)
Zach Parise (F, NJ)
Brian Rafalski (D, Det) G,W=3
Niklas Kronwall (D, Det) A,W=2
Evgeni Nabokov (G, SJ)


5) Derek: 18 (13)
Alex Ovechkin (F, Was)
Sidney Crosby (F, Pit)
Mark Recchi (F, Bos) A,W=2
Dion Phaneuf (D, Cal) A=1
Scott Niedermayer (D, Ana)
Tim Thomas (G, Bos) A!,W=2

Score and Standings 4/18

hUZZAH for Bill Guerin. Now if only I could convince blogspot to stop bolding text that shouldn't be bold. Sorry about the late update. It's the weekend, and I had a bad night being up sick. Any case, Habs Bruins tonight, the sweep continues. Laraque with Koivu and Kovalev: Seriously?

1) Geoff: 17 (12)
Johan Franzen (F, Det)
Marc Savard (F, Bos)
Bill Guerin (F, Pit) 2G,W=5
Niklas Lidstrom (D, Det)
Zdeno Chara (D, Bos)
JS Giguere (G, Ana)


T2) Number 31: 14 (10)
Alex Kovalev (F, Mon)
Chris Kunitz (F, Pit) W=1
Jonathan Toews (F, Chi)
Sergei Gonchar (D, Pit) 2A,W=3
Mike Green (D, Was)
Nicolai Khabibulin (G, Chi)


T2) Bride of Kovalev: 14 (9)
Marian Hossa (F, Det)
Henrik Zetterberg (F, Det)
Evgeni Malkin (F, Pit) 2A,G,W=5
Dennis Wideman (D, Bos)
Dan Boyle (D, SJ)
Martin Brodeur (G, NJ)


4) Derek: 13 (11)
Alex Ovechkin (F, Was)
Sidney Crosby (F, Pit) A,W=2
Mark Recchi (F, Bos)
Dion Phaneuf (D, Cal)
Scott Niedermayer (D, Ana)
Tim Thomas (G, Bos)


5) P-Stone: 11 (9)
Pavel Datsyuk (F, Det)
Joe Thornton (F, SJ)
Zach Parise (F, NJ) G=2
Brian Rafalski (D, Det)
Niklas Kronwall (D, Det)
Evgeni Nabokov (G, SJ)

Great quote from BoK:

"Is Rod Brind'amour grimacing or is that his normal face?"

An explanation

Folks may have noticed that I gave Giguere points for the win as well the shutout last night. Folks, that is my fault for not checking the box score and verifying who was in net. Frankly, it never even occurred to me that Giguere would not play. I know Hiller had a good season, but I would never in a thousand years have anticipated the Ducks sitting their Conn Smythe and Stanley Cup winning goalie.

In any case, a good journalist checks his facts, and I feel pretty stupid, since it's my job to educate young student journalists about this. I have removed the two shutout points.

Now what remains is a tough decision. The vote from the participants about backup goalies getting win points was split down the middle, and I recall saying I was leaning towards not allowing them.

So my job is to cast the tie-breaking vote; one that affects my own points. I go back to my complete puzzlement with Giguere. Had I even the slightest inkling he would not play, I would not have chosen him. I suppose that's my own fault. In any case, I ask myself, "Am I acting selfishly by letting myself have the point for the Ducks' win?"

The choice, I leave to you.


I think I am going to take Derek's advice from now on. In future pools, participants will choose a TEAM's goaltending.

Scores and Standings 4/17/09

[Edit]: Well spin me round blindfolded and call me Barfy. I fucked up big time. Here I was thinking the Ducks would play Giguere and they ice Hiller instead. And the fucker gets a shutout. Sigh. Well, the scores have been amended, I'm stoopid, and I'm a gonna go dunk my head in a freezing bucket of water just to make myself feel worse.

What a night. Habs lose, no surprise, but it was still disappointing, especially their reaction after the empty-netter. In any case, I had an awesome night with Chara, Franzen, and Jiggy all pitching in for some major points.

Are folks taking the Ducks seriously now? Good.
And if Osgood only has to make 20 saves a game, then it doesn't matter if he's not a superstar. Is there any doubt why the Red Wings are the dominant force in the NHL when neither Hossa, Zetterberg, or Datsyuk score, and the Wings still win 4-1? (Against the hottest goalie in the league?)



1) Geoff: 12 (1)
Johan Franzen (F, Det) G,A,W=4
Marc Savard (F, Bos) A,W=2
Bill Guerin (F, Pit)
Niklas Lidstrom (D, Det) W=1
Zdeno Chara (D, Bos) G,W=3
JS Giguere (G, Ana) W=1


2) Derek: 11 (6)
Alex Ovechkin (F, Was)
Sidney Crosby (F, Pit)
Mark Recchi (F, Bos) W=1
Dion Phaneuf (D, Cal) 0
Scott Niedermayer (D, Ana) G,W=3
Tim Thomas (G, Bos) W=1


3) Number 31: 10 (5)
Alex Kovalev (F, Mon) G=2
Chris Kunitz (F, Pit)
Jonathan Toews (F, Chi) A,W=2
Sergei Gonchar (D, Pit)
Mike Green (D, Was)
Nicolai Khabibulin (G, Chi) W=1


T4) Bride of Kovalev: 9 (5)
Marian Hossa (F, Det) W=1
Henrik Zetterberg (F, Det) A,W=2
Evgeni Malkin (F, Pit)
Dennis Wideman (D, Bos) W=1
Dan Boyle (D, SJ) 0
Martin Brodeur (G, NJ)


T4) P-Stone: 9 (4)
Pavel Datsyuk (F, Det) W=1
Joe Thornton (F, SJ) 0
Zach Parise (F, NJ)
Brian Rafalski (D, Det) W=1
Niklas Kronwall (D, Det) G,W=3
Evgeni Nabokov (G, SJ) 0

Some Funny Hockey Commercials

Check out this Yahoo Sports Article featuring some pretty funny Bruins.TV commercials. I did not know these existed until a couple minutes ago and they are pretty darn creative (and funny too!). They pretty much apply to all hockey fans of any team out there.

I'm Geoff, and I'm a hockeyholic (applause)

Seriously. It's time for us to introduce ourselves.
Proceed to the comments section, please.

It Begins...

I hereby command you, as Playoff Pool Commissioner, to fire up your iPods with AC/DC's "For Those about to Rock" or Filter's "Nice Shot" and get pumped, for the playoffs are upon us, and it is good.

One small order of business: P-Stone and Derek, please let me know your vote for letting backup goalies earn points for wins. I can really only see this applying to Khabibulin, and perhaps Tiny Tim if he falters and gets replaced by Fernandez.

So. From here on out, you'll be seeing daily scores and standings, updated from the previous evening's games. If you want to dispute a score, please let me know within 24 hours of the posting so I can get it corrected. I am awesome, but I do make mistakes. (From time to time)

See you tomorrow with your first Scores and Standings.

The breakdown:

Here's the distribution of players represented in our pool, by team:

Detroit: 7
Pittsburgh: 5
Boston: 5
San Jose: 3
New Jersey: 2
Washington: 2
Chicago: 2
Anaheim: 2
Calgary: 1
Montreal: 1

Based on that, Detroit will be playing the Penguins or Bruins in the Cup finals again. Outside chance of San Jose getting there, with the Devils, Capitals, and Blackhawks winning at least one round. Dark Horse picks are Calgary and Montreal. The best chance for an upset is the Ducks, according to our pool's logic.

Teams not represented at all: Flyers, Hurricanes, Rangers, Canucks, Blues, Blue Jackets
No one wanted to take a chance on the St. Louis-Vancouver series. (Smart move, IMO)

Draft Central: Your final rosters

BoK: (F, Det)Marian Hossa, (F, Det)Henrik Zetterberg, (F, Pit)Evgeni Malkin, (G, NJ)Martin Brodeur, (D, Bos)Dennis Wideman, (D, SJ)Dan Boyle

P-Stone: (F, Det)Pavel Datsyuk, (F, SJ)Joe Thornton, (G, SJ)Evgeni Nabokov, (F, NJ)Zach Parise, (D, Det)Brian Rafalski, (D, Det)Niklas Kronwall

Derek: (F, Was)Alex Ovechkin, (G, Bos)Tim Thomas, (F, Pit)Sidney Crosby, (F, Bos)Mark Recchi, (D, Cal)Dion Phaneuf, (D, Ana)Scott Niedermayer

Geoff: (D, Det)Niklas Lidstrom, (D, Bos)Zdeno Chara, (F, Det)Johan Franzen, (F, Bos)Marc Savard, (F, Pit)Bill Guerin, (G, Ana)JS Giguere

31: (D, Pit)Sergei Gonchar, (G, Chi)Nicolai Khabibulin (F, Mon)Alex Kovalev, (D, Was)Mike Green, (F, Pit)Chris Kunitz, (F, Chi)Jonathan Toews

Ladies and Gentlemen, your draft order

Names were put in a (Habs) hat and drawn, and the result is your draft order:

1. Bride of Kovalev
2. P-Stone
3. Derek
4. Geoff (me)
5. Number 31*

*: provided she would like to be our celebrity blogger guest.


Here's how we roll: The draft goes from top to bottom, then back up. So, when 31 makes her pick, she will then make ANOTHER pick, then me, then Derek, and so on.

Let's put this to a vote: should backup goalies get points for wins? I'm inclined to say "no", but let me know what you think.

By the way, a shutout is worth TWO ADDITIONAL points. So, goalie x gets a shutout, he earns three points for the night. And yes, goalies also earn points for assists (and goals, if they happen).



Draft Central to be posted shortly. PLEASE be timely when it is your turn. I really despise having to wait 12 hours for someone to make a pick, and then they choose someone that's already been taken or isn't even in the playoffs.

We're doomed. End of season wrap-up

So, Montreal gets to lose to Boston. Just perfect.

I was watching last night's game against the Penguins and was struck by how the game resembled the season. Some great highlights and a lot of potential, but with a very disappointing outcome. Bride of Kovalev, who usually likes to nap while the Habs play, commented that it seems none of the players have any idea where their teammates are. She said she knows that it's a good idea to pass to open spaces, but the Habs seem to pass to areas where no one wearing a red sweater is anywhere close.

No offense to BoK, but if she can see the lack of chemistry the Habs exhibit, then why the hell can't Bob Gainey, and why didn't Guy Carbonneau? It seems Carbo didn't take the blender with him after he was fired, and Gainey's been making use of it since. I like Glen Metropolit, but why the hell was he on the first line last night? I know Gainey was trying to give his players a rest, but last night was not just some throwaway. With a win, Montreal could have avoided playing the Big Bad Bruins (and losing in quick order). Also, when you're gearing up for the playoffs, there is no rest. You play as you practice, and practice as you play. You put your top lines out, keep their rhythm and chemistry going, and hit the ground running when the playoffs begin. Last night's experiment means the Habs will start the series against Boston cold, with zero momentum. (With the exception of a very quirky Carey Price. Look for awesome, unbelievable saves, combined with slap-your-forehead dunce-cap ass goals from him in the upcoming series.)

So, the season is over, and now we get to see the Bruins kick the shit out of our Habbies. I wonder if Big Georges Laraque will play? If he doesn't, one has to wonder just wtf Bob Gainey is thinking.

Also of note, we will undoubtedly be saying goodbye to many of our players very soon. We have, what, 11 free agents? I'll speak more on this in the coming weeks, but I end this season sadly. I have no reason to think Koivu will be back, nor do I think Kovalev will submit himself to Gainey's "management" any further. Tanguay was awesome for us, and I hope he'll stay, but I expect the worse. Komisarek is a mixed bag. He could be great, but he was terrible this season. I imagine he'll go on to do great things, but with a different team.

Now on to the playoffs. I'll hope for the best, but expect the worse.

Draft Starts Tomorrow!

Teams and draft order to come soon...

The Shit hits the Fan

I hereby call a moratorium on posting from Bruins and Habs Fans, at least until we all cool off by Saturday. But I'll say this:
Bob Gainey: Where's Laraque? What the fuck are you thinking, knowing how the Bruins are going to come at Montreal? And as long as Price plays this brand of bullshit dystentery goaltending, Jack Edwards can froth at the mouth and spew his verbal diahrea all he wants, cause the Habs fucking suck, and Bob Gainey is a fucking mental case.

Playoff Pool Time

Ok folks, time to pull aside the curtain and see the REAL reason why this site exists: My annual playoff pool!

Let me know through my e-mail, those who have it, who's interested. I'd also be curious to see if some celebrity guests (other bloggers) would like to participate. P-stone can tell you, the reward for winning is a big fat prize. Oh, and since the feds are watching my every move, I must tell you that there is no cost to play. I do this for love of the game and for the love of stats.

Season ends this Sunday, playoffs begin soon thereafter. So let me know who's interested, and I'll start working on a draft order.

Rules are:
You draft 6 players. 3 Forwards, 2 Defensemen*, 1 Goalie.

Once a player is drafted, he's gone. Choose wisely: if your entire team is wiped out in the first round (Bride of Kovalev had this misfortune), you're done.

Points are given as follows: 2 points for a goal, 1 point for an assist, 1 point for a game your player participates in (folks have always argued whether the backup goalie should get this point; I'll check last year's rules on that), and 2 points for a shutout.

Fairly simple. I'll post the standings each day, and you can use the comments section for smack talk. I'll also be posting post-mortems on some days, so there's that to look forward too :-P

Good luck, and happy playoffs!


*In the case of D-men/Forwards who swing both ways like Dandenault, you can choose which position you want them to take, and there they will remain.

Question to Rogers Announcers

What game were you guys watching last night? Was it the one where Daniel Alfredsson, after getting a whack to the back of his ankle, first tried to fake an injury to draw a penalty, and failing that, turned around and fired a slap-shot directly at Mike Komisarek? Must have been a different game, since the Rogers announcers were congratulating Alfredsson on being a gritty competitor. Hmm. Looked to me like he was just being a stereotypical chicken-bitch who gives Europeans a bad name.

And then there was the Lapierre-Lee fight. Hockeyfights.com gives the win to Lee, but I'm calling this one a draw since most of those votes are ad-hominem votes against Lapierre. Scoring the fight, it was four punches landed by Lapierre, and one by Lee. Granted, that one was a doozy, but takedowns like the one that followed don't matter for shit in hockey fights. But, according to the Rogers folks, the fight was not even close, with Lee knocking Lapierre out and having him taken out on a stretcher.

I also found it curious that the Ottawa announcers criticized Montreal's recent success, arguing that the Habs rely too heavily on its first line. Dudes, your Senators have relied exclusively on their first line for the last five YEARS. Don't lecture us about a team putting all its eggs in one basket. Where has that gotten you? One Cup Final, an early exit, and some early tee-times while other teams play in April. And don't criticize a formula that until last night was 5-0-1. Maybe we could talk about that dirty little shit Grabovski and how he is dead meat next year? Or something relevant to Montreal, not Pot-Kettle idiocy?

In any case. Broadcasting Fail to Rogers for last night's BS-fest. And by the way, Bump and Tease before a commercial break, mm-kay? Broadcast 101. Even Versus isn't this bad.