Thursday, October 22, 2009

This bodes well for us

It was reported last week (and made a pretty big deal by the Leaf loving media) that the Toronto Maple Leafs played a game of "Dodgeball" for practice.

On this morning's "Sportscenter" they showed the Leaf's practicing yesterday, playing on a miniature ice surface. (Link here)

In case anyone out there has been paying attention, it's worth noting that the dynamic duo of Brian Burke and Ron Wilson are the minds behind the American US Olympic team in Vancouver. As if their ability to make winners out of people wasn't enough, but these interesting tactics will no doubt be what pushes USA to a gold medal in 2010. What's next? How about a game of kick the can on the ice? I know I certainly wouldn't want to be facing a squad with skills in dodgeball, mini-hockey, and can kicking, I don't really care how well they can skate or play together as a team, those 3 skills are the definition of a triple threat.

Now THAT was sarcasm...

WHAMMO!!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Weekly Power Rankings...with a little treat on top

Time for the weekly power rankings...with a little treat on top.

It may be apparent to most of you twentyteners out there that follow us religiously that this week's post was in large part of my sole volition...as you will see below with my high placement of Marty St. Louis in the power column. But honestly Dewey, the little man with the big heart has been THE man in sunny Florida thus far. Give a guy is due will ya!

A little treat at the bottom of this week's rankings as I lay out my line combination, defensive pairings and goaltending depth chart.

Enjoy:

Forwards:

1 (1) – Crosby – Is there anyone who’s worried about Sid the Kid?

2 (5) – Heatley – Will be hard not to pencil he and Joe in as second line combo at current pace.

3 (6) – Thornton – As mentioned above, I think he’s the number two centre at this point.

4 (2) – Nash – Has continued torrid start to season. Scored 3 on 5 last night.

5 (3) – Richards – He can put up the points, and continues to be one of the best shutdown guys in the league.

6 (7) – St. Louis – Far and away the best chance out of Tampa so far.

7 (4) – Iginla – Slow start for Iggy, but finally put up a multi point game last night.

8 (8) – Toews – Will be hard knocked to be bumped off my team.

9 (9) – Carter – Will look good on Richard’s wing. Has started season strong.

10 (11) – Perry – Best option to play alongside Getzlaf, and has been best Duck forward so far.

11 (16) – Morrow – Resurrecting his career after last year’s injury, with a great start in Big D.

12 (13) – Getzlaf – Has dropped to my fourth line centre, but cannot remove him from the fold.

13 (10) – E. Staal – Susceptible to losing his spot on the roster if his slow season continues.

The below bubble boys:

14 (12) – Lecavalier – He’s on the wrong side of the bubble this week.

15 (15) – Sharp – He’s a guy who could steal Staal or Perry’s spot easily.

16 (NA) – Smyth – Has been a gangbuster in LA. Could Captain Canada find a spot on team twentyten?

17 (14) – J. Staal – Haven’t forgotten about him yet.

18 (17) – Doan – Starting to forget about him.


Defensemen:

1 (4) – Boyle – Could be on top power play unit.

2 (2) – Pronger – Playing over 28 minutes a game and still producing.

3 (1) – Niedermayer – Tough start to the year, but he’s a given.

4 (NA) – Seabrook – Full apoligies for Brent only making an appearance on the rankings now.

5 (5) – Boumeester – Still playing lots of minutes in Calgary and is a plus player

6 (6) – Weber – Quiet but solid going in Nashville.

7 (7) – Keith – Would look good alongside Seabrook on the back end.

The below bubble boys:

8 (3) – Phaneuf – 8 points but still a minus liability.

9 (11) – Doughty – Could actually be a viable option come selection time.

8 (8) – Green – Losing ground in my eyes

9 (9) – Regher – Just too many other options in front of him.


Goalies:

1 (1) – Fleury – League leader in wins. Has been the best of the Canadian goalies so far.

2 (3) – Brodeur – Pitched his first shutout of the year this past week.

2 (2) – Mason – He’s still been better than Roberto.

4 (5) – Luongo – Still waiting on Bob.

5 (4) – Ward – Won’t be a consideration at this pace.


Line combos:



1 - Nash-Sid-Iggy

2 - Heatley-Thornton-St. Louis

3 - Carter-Richards-Morrow

4 - Perry-Getzlaf-Staal

5 - Toews


1 - Neidermayer – Pronger

2 - Boyle – Boumeester

3 - Seabrook - Keith

4 - Weber


*Despite goalie rankings...I cannot bring myself to knock Roberto and Marty out of the top two spots.

1 - Brodeur

2 - Luongo

3 - Fleury


WHAMMO!!

Monday, October 19, 2009

To be a fly on that wall

A nice article today at the CTV Olympics site, pretty much regurgitating a lot of what Matty and I have said here. There was one interesting paragraph though, that made me smile...

Yzerman said players are being monitored now and he and his gang, which includes the likes of Detroit GM Ken Holland and Red Wings coach Mike Babcock, who will coach Team Canada, as well as Devils coach Jacques Lemaire, Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff, Edmonton president Kevin Lowe, St. Louis vice-president Doug Armstrong, and Wayne Gretzky, will chat frequently leading up to the Games. He also said certain players will be granted a little latitude.
To be a fly on that wall. Of course, Matt and I would be those loud, opinionated flies, with me no doubt screaming my little fly lungs out with cries of "NO ST. LOUIS!!! FORGET ABOUT ROBIDAS!!" (this is assuming that Robidas' name is actually brought up at a meeting of the braintrust), and Matt no doubt making mention after mention of his hockey pool dilemmas.

The time keeps ticking, and some superstars need to step it up... at least we aren't the only ones worried about these slow starts...

WHAMMO!!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Mr. Lecavilier, this is your wake-up call

Last year at this time, Matty and I were sitting around, talking about the 2010 Olympic hockey team (we hadn't yet thought that we would end up calling them "Team Twentyten"), and one of the names who kept coming to the top of the list, without fail... was Sidney Crosby.

Another name however that was on our list was Vincent Lecavilier. Vinny is a great hockey player, who we could have seen on the team last year. He is a strong player who scores goals. Admittedly, last season wasn't his best. That could be blamed on all the trade rumors that had him going to Montreal, but 67 points in 77 games was a little low for a guy who had topped 90 the previous two seasons and looked like he was becoming the all-star caliber player we all knew he would be one day.

However, this season is starting to look a lot like last, in that Vinny has 5 points in 6 games played, but not a single goal. It's not for lack of trying either, as he's averaging 4 shots a game. Now I don't watch many Lightning games (due to the fact that they have St. Louis on their team, whom I've made my hatred for clear many times), so I don't know how great the shots are that he's getting on goal. He's also a -5, and defensive liabilities can't be found on the bottom two lines unless they're providing the kind of offense we'll be getting from the top 2. I wouldn't say Vinny has played his way off the team, it's too early in the season to say that, but unless he starts scoring goals, the Lightning captain may just be enjoying the Olympics from a beach in Florida come February.

Vinny... this is your OFFICIAL "Canada Twentyten" wake-up call... figure it out, or you'll be left out...

WHAMMO!!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Weekly Power Rankings

Yes, we're a day late, but hey...cut us some slack. Monday was a holiday and we're all strugglin to catch up with the week that is quickly passing.

Without further a do, I give you this week's Power Rankings...and I pose the question to you twentyteners out there, "Who are we missing on the list?"

Forwards:

1 (1) – Crosby

2 (2) – Nash – Career year on the way.

3 (4) – Richards – Hat trick last.

4 (3) – Iginla – Current Calgary slump bounces him down a peg.

5 (14) – Heatley – Has awoken in a big way since being dropped off the team last week.

6 (12) – Thornton – He and Heater are on fire.

7 (13) – St. Louis – 5 games, 9 points…mini win streak in Tampa.

8 (9) – Toews – Despite a quiet start on the score sheet, leading a strong Hawks squad.

9 (6) – Carter

10 (6) – E. Staal

11 (15) – Perry – Best Anaheim Duck forward so far.

12 (8) – Lecavalier

13 (8) – Getzlaf

14 (NA) – J. Staal – Cannot be overlooked any further.

15 (NA) – Sharp – 7 points for a two-way guy in Chicago.

16 (10) – Morrow

17 (11) – Doan

18 (16) – Gagne – May soon leave the power rankings.


Defensemen:

1 (1) – Niedermayer

2 (2) – Pronger – Point per game thus far

3 (5) – Phaneuf – Tied for second in D-men scoring

4 (6) – Boyle – Tied for second in D-men scoring

5 (3) – Boumeester

6 (4) – Weber

7 (7) – Keith

8 (8) – Green

9 (9) – Regher

10 (10) – Burns

11 (NA) – Doughty – Tied for second in D-men scoring.


Goalies: (can anyone say "CONTROVERSY")

1 (3) – Fleury – Leads league in wins

2 (4) – Mason – Best save % and had a big W against Iggy et al.

3 (1) – Brodeur – Needs this wake up call…hey it worked with Heatley and Thornton

4 (5) – Ward – Steady thus far

5 (2) – Luongo – The alarm clock is hummin…WAKE UP!!


WHAMMO!!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Things to be thankful for

On this, the weekend of our Canadian Thanksgiving, as we sit around, enjoying a morning coffee, getting ready to nurse our "walking bird" hangovers tomorrow morning, we here at Canada Twentyten think that we should partake in the age old tradition of saying some things that we're thankful for before we sit down to enjoy our meals tonight...

I'm thankful for superstars playing like superstars...

After a start to the season that didn't really live up to our expectations, the two most promising options for the Olympic team from the Sharks, Dany Heatley and Joe Thornton, have really started to come on strong. The two of them are currently tied for the league lead in points with another dynamic duo in Washington, Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. If the two of these guys keep up this pace, it's going to be very hard for Stevie Y and the brass to not put them on a line together in Vancouver in 2010.

I'm thankful for highlight reel goals...

On Thursday night, Jordan Staal scored a beauty goal against the Flyers (video also at the bottom of the post). Matty made a good point last night while we watched the game saying "No one can hold guys off like him and still finish with those hands...". He looked great out there, albeit against the Maple Leafs, who looked terrible. It's easy to forget about Staal out there in Pittsburgh, with Crosby and Malkin getting a ton of the glory, and we've even forgotten about him in our weekly power rankings, but be assured, he won't be overlooked next week.

I'm thankful for being able to say "I was wrong"

It takes a lot for someone to admit they're wrong, and it's no easy task. Though when you write a blog you put yourself out there and are left very open for criticism. Admittedly, it's not something I like to do, but I think I have to come out and say "I was wrong" when it comes to Ryan Smyth. Earlier in the week, I wrote a quick post and mentioned that he had disappeared. Of course, when I looked up the link above to show Thornton and Heatley's stats, I went down the list, and low and behold, at number 10 was Smyth with 7 points thus far on the season. I still don't think he makes this team, but it looks like he's determined to make it a tough decision for the Hockey Canada decision makers.

Most of all, we're thankful for you, the Twentyteners! Without you, this site would be no fun to write... enjoy your meals!

WHAMMO!

Friday, October 9, 2009

Bits and Bites

Some potent notables from last night's action, as far as twentyten hopefuls are concerned:

Hot Hot Heat: Dany Heatley showed up in the second and third periods against twentyten hopeful Steve Mason to score a hat-trick, with an assist thrown in for good measure...not to be completely outdone, teammate Joe Thornton had a four assist night. Could this be the start of something good for the two twentyten bubble bouncers?

A Pennsylvania punishing: In a standard smash and crash classic, the Pens fought to a 5-4 win over their cross-state rivals from Philly. Crosby went pointless??? While Jeff Carter continued his hot start with 2 goals and 2 assists in a losing effort. And, didn't big Jordan Staal look good on the break with a first period goal. I think he needs to be considered in next week's power rankings.

Hard in the head: Corey Perry had a dandy night against my Bruins, netting three points (2 goals and an assist). One of those goals coming on a beauty header into the top corner. (*soccer reference).

WHAMMO!!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Weekly Power Rankings

Welcome to our Week 2 Power Rankings.


Not a ton of movement on the power front, as we are only a few games into the season. Enjoy!

Lask weeks ranking is listed in ( )


Forwards:

  1. (1) Crosby – Still the STAR. He’s #1
  2. (3) Nash – Big night against Luongo...and he didn’t even score.
  3. (2) Iginla – Slow start (1 assist in first two games) is not a worry.Team is winning.
  4. (4) Richards – Endorsement still looms large. 2 goals in two games doesn’t hurt either
  5. (6) E. Staal – Took a puck in the head and came back to score a goal. We really like him.
  6. (7) Carter – The goal machine (2 goals in first two games) is on an 82 goal pace.
  7. (9) Toews – Sure it was Florida, but he played well. Shootouts matter at Olympics.
  8. (5) Getzlaf – An assist in first game. Big centre will be fine.
  9. (8) Lecavalier – Same as Getz in front of him. One assist so far.
  10. (11) Morrow – Steady start to season. Still early.
  11. (12) Doan – Has been the consummate leader so far in the tough situation in Phoenix.
  12. (13) Thornton – Fate still very much tied to Heatley.
  13. (14) St. Louis – Little guy has come out of the gate like a gangbuster.
  14. (10) Heatley – Despite his two assists, he looks disinterested thus far.
  15. (15) Perry – We still think he can steal a spot.
  16. (16) Gagne – May not get the “prime time” time to shine in Philly this year.

*From out of nowhere, Paul Kariya looks GOOD! Keep him on the radar…he’s on ours.

D-Men


  1. (1) Niedermayer – He’s still the cornerstone of the defense.
  2. (2) Pronger – Two assists, plus 3, 6 PIMs…fitting in nicely in Philly.
  3. (3) Boumeester – Playing almost 30 minutes a game in Calgary. He’s been solid.
  4. (4) Weber – Not going anywhere on this list.
  5. (6) Phaneuf – Looks interested and rearing to go thus far. Sedin knows.
  6. (5) Boyle – Still to be counted on.
  7. (9) – Keith – Big minutes thus far makes him our last puck mover to make the squad.
  8. (7) Green – Only 1 assist in two games. Not much for all the offense the Caps have shown thus far.
  9. (8) Regher – Quiet but steady so far. May be outshone by other Olympians in Calgary.
  10. (NR) Burns – Hickcock’s comment prompts us to “PUT HIM ON THE BOARD”

The Goalies


  1. (1) – Brodeur – Bad week for him. Eek!
  2. (2) – Luongo – Worst week for him. Double Eek!
  3. (4) – Fleury – 2 and 0 to start. No signs of Stanley Cup hangover in Pittsburgh.
  4. (5) – Mason – Got his second win of the season against the man at #2.
  5. (3) – Ward – Shelled in the Boston game.
Out and out bad week for the top three goalies from the pre-season. We're not worried however.

Till next week...
WHAMMO!!

Quick Hits

Welcome to the radar: Brent Burns

An interesting twitter post from everyone's favorite SportsCentre anchor, Jay Onrait, I saw this morning on my computer monitor.

"I don’t think there’s five defensemen like him in the league, not even close." Ken Hitchcock on Brent Burns of the Wild.
Not saying I put him on the team, but that's a strong endorsement from one of the coaches of our beloved hockey team in Vancouver.

Luongo struggling

Roberto Luongo allowed 4 goals on 12 shots last night in what became a 5 - 3 for the Canucks at the hands of the mighty Columbus Blue Jackets. This drops Luongo's record to 0 - 3 this year, in 3 games started. His save percentage is .820, with a GAA of 4.55. It may be his defence, it may be the team, but they were nearly perfect in the preseason so I'm having trouble saying there would be THAT much of a fall off.

Hey Bobbo, I know it's early, but you haven't been announced as a member of Team Canada although most figure you to be a lock. You've gotta be the best to be on this team... if we wanted a guy who doesn't win and has a terrible GAA and SV% we could have gone out and easily picked up Chris Osgood (zing!!)

Staal is tough

I have to say I let out a small expletive on Saturday night watching the Bruins - Canes game... not because I had to listen to Matty boast about "his Bruins" incessantly, but because a guy who I figure to be in Vancouver, Eric Staal, took a slapshot to the head during the game.

Thankfully, Staal returned in the 3rd and even notched a goal in a 7-2 loss to the Bruins, all but eliminating Ryan "No one can stand in front of the net like me" Smyth from Twentyten consideration. Also helping to eliminate his chances, his enrollment into the witness protection program... Oh wait, I guess he's in LA, whatever, same difference...

Women are winners

The Canadian Women's hockey team beat the US yesterday, their first win after three consecutive losses to the yanks...

... so yeah... Go Canada!

Friday, October 2, 2009

EEK!!

...So things didn't really get off to a good start Heatley wise eh.

What with a -3 plus/minus and only 2 shots on goal, and a swing and a miss on a wide-open net in the third.

Common Heater...our power rankings are only 4-5 days away.

WHAMMO!!

P.S. On the Canada Twentyten plus side, Phaneuf looked pretty good sitting down D. Sedin at the end of the First, last night now didn't he?

Thursday, October 1, 2009

A twist of fate

...and in a cruel twist of fate, my fate is now tied to his fate...and the fate with which he is tied to that of his teammate.

Confused?

Well, some of you may remember this post from several weeks back where I stated my belief that Dany Heatley's fate with Team Canada was tied to that of his new teammate in San Jose, Joe Thornton.

Ya see, I have been on bubble all summer as to what my true feeling for, and about, Dany Heatley are...ever since the beginnings of his acrimonious departure from Ottawa. I was, and still remain uncertain as to whether or not he can overcome the drama and regain the prior form that had Sens fan cheering to "The Heat is on" more nights than not at ScotiaBank Place
(*anyone who's ever been to a Sens game in which Heatley has produced a goal knows what I'm talking about)


But to get back to my lament atop this post...imagine my excitement when I returned home from school this evening, to find that the hockey pool which I had, in vein, tried to organize with friends local and beyond (to agonizing avail!) had expanded in my absense into a 15 team league, just in time for the draft. (I was off talking about Cognitive Dissonance in my Organizational Behaviour class). As Dewey put it once I found out the size of the league, "Yipityyipyipyipwhoo!"

And what spot on the draft order was I to hold, when all things were said and done???...but the 14th spot overall...Yes as "fate" would have it, I was given my favorite number, my number of identity so to speak, just ask any of the Dolan's Wanderers or STU Tommies out there...

As the draft snaked to me it became cloudier and cloudier who I should take..."And with the 14th pick overall, McGuire's Monsters (yes, I admit to making a mockery of myself and my team) select...from the Boston Bruins...Marc Savard.

Marc Savard??? Where is he going you might be asking yourself right now. I thought this was about Heatley...and feelings of ambivalence and doubt. Well, hold on I say, because as the draft further snaked its way through 15 and 16 and back to me at 17, it became clear that I had a decision to make. Would I hold firm in my beleifs, beleifs rooted in my value of "team" and "being a good teammate", or would I error on the side of my cognitive dissonance (how ironic you are all thinking I'm sure) and take with my second pick someone quite able to fill the net and bring McGuire's Monsters to the promised land in the "Bob Cole's Lost Souls" fantasy hockey league.

...yep you guess it...I took Heatley.

So you see where I stand. Once confused, angry and doubtful; I now allow the fate of my fastasy hockey season to rest with the one player I most did not want it to rest with. A player, that I hoped would fail and therefore be easy pickings for future blog posts about failed expectations and about how "arrogance will get you nowhere" but face down in a ditch bloodied and broken (a bit much?).

I now rest my fate in the fate of another man, who's fate is tied to that of another man even. In the hopes of both: a Gold Medal in Vancouver, and $200 big ones in April.

WHAMMO!!