Puck Daddy - NHL

Here are your Evening Puck Headlines and Previews: A glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media.

• We announced a Sidney Crosby video project for today. Due to some technical difficulties, it'll run on Saturday. Please do check it out ... right after you watch the "Battlestar Galactica" finale on your DVR for the 10th straight time. Frack!

• You know, we're no art aficionados, but that's a damn good likeness of Janne Niinimaa right there. Oh, wait, it's Chris Pronger (Not pictured: Brian Burke salivating)? For only $699? And you're telling us no one's bid on this thing yet; not even some Oilers fan who'd take it out of the frame and use it as a bib? [Cult of Hockey and Classic Auctions]

Preview: Edmonton Oilers at Chicago Blackhawks (8:30 p.m. EST; TV: OPPV, CSNC). No, seriously, the hell is wrong with Chicago? The Oilers can move within five points of the Blackhawks with a win tonight. And since the Oilers have the same number of points at the eight seed, that's some scary stuff for the Hawks. Since Cristobal Huet continues to really earn that contract, Joel Quenneville announced that he's riding Nikolai Khabibulin until he breaks.

Preview: Minnesota Wild at New Jersey Devils (7 p.m. EST; TV: MSG+). Martin Brodeur is back between the pipes for the Devils in his first start since breaking Patrick Roy's career wins record and the NJ Court of Appeals unofficial record for alimony inflation. The Minnesota Wild have never won in New Jersey. Big deal ... neither do the Nets.

• You know, the last guy to diss David Letterman was John McCain. Not for nothing Brodeur, but if the New Jersey Devils don't win the Cup ... just sayin'. [NJ.com]

• They evidently frown upon using the Montreal Canadiens logo to sell cigarettes in Canada. Even though it's been getting smoked for the better part of a month. [Eyes on the Prize]

Preview: New York Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes (7 p.m. EST; TV: MSG2, FSS). Introducing the "Babchuk Bomb" -- the booming slap shot from defenseman Anton Babchuk that's helped give the Canes defenseman seven goals in his last 14 games. That's nutty. Peter Mannino should get the start for the Islanders. Dude stopped 40 shots in his first NHL start.

Preview: Philadelphia Flyers and Buffalo Sabres (7:30 p.m. EST; TV: CSP, MSG, Yahoo! Sports). The headline on the Y! Sports NHL page is "Crossing Swords" in relation to this game. Awesome. Ryan Miller is testing out his ankle, but is it too late for the Sabres? Philly's going for the sweep in the season series.

• Population Statistic has cracked the case on Alexander Ovechkin's motivation for the "fire stick" celebration: "Ovechkin knew that the name 'Tampa' is derived from the Calusa Indian word for 'sticks of fire', and thus intentionally chose that ‘stick on fire' motif?" [Not for nothing, PopStat, but that was brilliant]

• Someone really needs to interview Teemu "Shotgun" Selanne about goal celebrations, because his name is coming up a lot on this Ovie debate. [Windy City Hockey and Mike Chen]

• The Scott Hartnell Wikipedia page is quite informative. [H/T to Puck Buddy Jason H.]

Preview: Detroit Red Wings at Atlanta Thrashers (7:30 p.m. EST; TV: FSD, SS). Chris Osgood gets the call for the Wings, as the Thrashers are expecting a large crowd for tonight's rare visit from the champs. Oh, and the big return for Marian Hossa, too. Cheers or boos?

Preview: Los Angeles Kings at Pittsburgh Penguins (7:30 p.m. EST; TV: FSW, FSPI). The Penguins are 11-1-2 since Feb. 19. Justin Williams is off injured reserve for the Kings, which just means it's a matter of time until he's placed back on it.  

Preview: St. Louis Blues at Calgary Flames (9 p.m. ESt; TV: FSMW, RSW). The good news for St. Louis: Star Keith Tkachuk doesn't have a broken wrist and is day-to-day after taking a slap shot on the hand against Vancouver. The bad news: They haven't won in Calgary since 2004.

• Darren Rovell looks at how the recession is affecting the sale of pro sports teams, and how easy it might be for a League to take over a franchise and prop it up. The Phoenix Coyotes are not mentioned by name. [CNBC]

• Gary Thorne fans rejoice. [Puck the Media]

• Finally, thanks to a cool DC/Baltimore sports blog called Hangar 39 for hipping us to this video of HOF announcer Bob Miller of the Kings going to bat for Ovechkin and taking a whack at Don Cherry:

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51 Comments

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  1. Gonger
    1. Posted by Gonger Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:01 pm EDT

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    Maybe Brodeur is a Jimmy Fallon fan...jk there are more Devils fans than Jimmy Fallon fans.
  2. hound
    2. Posted by hound Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:21 pm EDT

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    Don Cherry needs to just keep his mouth shut...fans love watching Ovechkin make a foal of himself...maybe he does not act like Yzerman...but he sure does enjoy playing the game and he is the best European player ever.
  3. big audio
    3. Posted by big audio Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:04 pm EDT

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    Boogaard making an appearance in the NY area the next few days, hopefully he gets a few dance partners this trip. Maybe the Isles can bring up a big tough guy for the dance? One can hope.
  4. big audio
    4. Posted by big audio Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:04 pm EDT

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    and hey, McGratton is back in the league, let's hear it for Phoenix!
  5. Larry
    5. Posted by Larry Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:58 pm EDT

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    Leahy's a bum!
  6. knucklehead
    6. Posted by knucklehead Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:37 pm EDT

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    Why would they boo Hossa in Atlanta? He loves REM and the B-52's.
  7. miah
    7. Posted by miah Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:17 pm EDT

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    I love how "hound" calls OV the "best European player ever" when the guy hasn't even won 1 playoff round.
    Joke.
  8. Ron L. Detroit Sports Nut!
    8. Posted by Ron L. Detroit Sports Nut! Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:27 pm EDT

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    Nice referrence to the Hads! Thats harsh.
    Ovechkin is quickly becoming my favorite player! The NHL is way overdue for someone with a colorful personality to step out and make the game noticeable to the casual observer WHILE ON THE ICE!!! WAAAAAYYY OVERDUE!!! If Don Cherry has a problem, its envy that someone has come along that can challenge his "colorful" personality. I will be listening in to coaches corner this weekend to hear what he has to say about it, but I hope Cherry has a shredd of common sense about it and praises Ovechkin for being willing to step out and be noticeable. More players like this will bring the NHL to a larger fan base.
    I want to step it back to early in the season when Avery made the remarks that got him in so much trouble. I thought it was total BS that EVERYONE came down on him like they did. Freedom of speech, and speaking the truth, yet he is condemned for it. He may be a clown and a jerk, but wtf people, he brings color to a bland personality that the NHL has always been.
    I think the best thing that could happen for the NHL is if Crosby were to step out of his sheltered NHL persona, and showboat as well. That what would get more fans excited about watching NHL Hockey. Not just seeing a great goal being scored, but someone with the balls to say "hey, I just scored a sweet a$$ goal and I want the world to know I am the man!!!"
  9. miah
    9. Posted by miah Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:17 pm EDT

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    great article title, by the way
  10. diehard_wings_fan134096
    10. Posted by diehard_wings_fan134096 Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:43 pm EDT

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    haha......now somebody added that hartnell is a piece of untalented dog$#!t to his wikipedia page.........
  11. Stufflife
    11. Posted by Stufflife Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:46 pm EDT

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    Why is Don Cherry worth mentioning any longer? He has as much relevance 2009 as a koosh ball.
  12. N. Y. NIGHTMARE
    12. Posted by N. Y. NIGHTMARE Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:06 pm EDT

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    Orr will dance with him, but i dunno how he will fare.
    isle have jackman,dirty player, but he rarely has the grapes to actually square up,
  13. nyrh8r
    13. Posted by nyrh8r Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:19 pm EDT

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    Don Cherry is a freakin jerk!! His views on Talented players is as comical as his wardrobe.Seriously canada....give this guy the axe!! He dosent belong in the NHL, Hes ruining our game!!! (and chaseing away what viewers they still have for hockey night in canada) lol...cbc.....its like one step above lifetime and the hallmark channel!!!
  14. Ron L. Detroit Sports Nut!
    14. Posted by Ron L. Detroit Sports Nut! Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:27 pm EDT

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    And as for everyone that been piling on Ovechkins playoff shortage, take a look at the Caps history, before he got there they were NOTHING!!! Period! He is the heart and soul that has brought that team out of the grave. If he had been teamed with more talent from the get go like Crosby had been, he would have more playoff "victories" to show for. Dont get the idea I am not a Crosby fan, because I am. But untill these two have retired from the game, lets restrain from making too much judgement on thier playoff careers. In the meantime, we should be taking in thier highlights every chance we get.
    I'm also a Huge Red Wings Fan too!
  15. Gordon Bombay
    15. Posted by Gordon Bombay Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:26 pm EDT

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    people need to stop comparing teemu's celebration to ovie's. teemu was celebrating breaking mike bossy's record, not scoring his 50th goal...for the third time. i'm all for enthusiasm, but alex needs to know when to take it down a notch.
  16. Dewman
    16. Posted by Dewman Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:42 pm EDT

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    GARY THORNE IS THE BEST HOCKEY COMMENTATOR EVER!!!!
    As much as I hate ESPN, I still miss the games they broadcasted. The on ice sound quality was amazing and to have Gary Thorne, especially for playoff games, made them the best network to watch hockey on. Just hearing Gary Thorne call games gets me in the mood for playoff hockey.
  17. Hangovers are for the weak
    17. Posted by Hangovers are for the weak Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:47 pm EDT

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    Thank you Bob Miller, for being you. Because without you, I wouldn't have something to smile about when I go to work tonight.
  18. Costa T
    18. Posted by Costa T Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:32 pm EDT

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    Not for nothing Wysh, but you are once again my favorite best hockey friend online~ I'm looking forward to Zach Parise doing an even more flamboyant 50-goal celebration, as he's next on tap for the half-century mark...
  19. brosecki
    19. Posted by brosecki Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:13 pm EDT

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    Looks like Don Cherry's Christmas card list just got shorter.
  20. Kyle
    20. Posted by Kyle Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:22 pm EDT

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    thats an old school frack! the kids now say it frak!
  21. onmyown
    21. Posted by onmyown Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:18 pm EDT

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    For the Caps to have success in the playoffs. AO has to learn that it's about team and not him. Share the glory. Share the puck.
    Marty on Letterman. Doing the top 10 on Monday would have been a distraction for Tuesday. Totally understandable.(The Rangers don't understand that concept on media distractions, but they suck anyway). Tuesday night was a great night for the Devils.
    D Cherry sucks! We know that already.
    Hey Wysh, Remember 2003, both Devils & Nets in the Finals. That was pretty cool. Let's now say the Nets totally blow themselves.
  22. Peeler
    22. Posted by Peeler Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:02 pm EDT

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    Hats off to a class guy like Miller for calling out that arrogant Canadian....Cherry is everything wrong for the sport
  23. Doug F
    23. Posted by Doug F Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:47 pm EDT

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    Have you been to all 57 states yet Wysh?
  24. yingleberry
    24. Posted by yingleberry Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:30 pm EDT

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    a little tough on williams.
    whens the last time an acl tear changed your life?
  25. Charles S
    25. Posted by Charles S Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:20 pm EDT

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    Wysh,I looked forward to the morning and evening headlines.Take a holiday.I'm O.K. with that.When you come back however can't you write everyday?

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