In a game of musical chairs, Hershey Bears defenseman Karl Alzner has been recalled by the Washington Capitals, while fellow first round pick John Carlson will be sent down. (CSN Washington)

Thomas Hickey, selected one pick before Alzner in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft (fourth overall for those scoring at home), is out of commission for the next four months. Hickey suffered a shoulder injury that will require surgery, keeping the current Manchester Monarch out of the lineup until Mid-March. (LA Kings Insider)

Like John Tavares, Evander Kane and Ryan Ellis before him and Steven Stamkos before them, Taylor Hall will attempt to represent Team Canada at the World Junior Championships as an underager. Hall seems like a lock, while Tyler Seguin and Brandon Gormley have a shot as well. So who does that leave on the outside looking in for this year’s draft class? (Coming Down The Pipe)

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds forward James Livingston has been held out of the lineup with what doctors are describing as an increased heart rate. Livingston, who has 18 points in 21 games this season, is evidently being monitored closely. (Andy Strickland – Hockey Buzz)

Tavares – Only One I Need To Love

Finns en grymt bra nätradiokanal som heter Funk365 där jag hörde den här låten igår. Kan inte påminna mig om att jag hört den låten innan, men det finns väldigt mycket bra man missat genom åren, även när det gäller sådana storheter som Tavares. Kan i alla fall trösta mig med att jag sett dem live en gång i London.

Men jag kan rekommendera ett besök på Funk365, själv använder jag Winamp när jag lyssnar på den. Så då går man in på hemsidan och klickar fram webradion så får man välja att öppna eller spara en playlista som startar själva streamingen. Jag har gjort så att jag sparat playlistan i min musikmapp, sen kan jag enkelt komma åt att lyssna bara genom att dra igång playlistan så hoppar det hela igång per automatik.

Lyssnar just nu på en grymt bra låt där som jag aldrig hört tidigare och som jag absolut måste dela med mig av på direkten.

Veneice – This Good Good Feeling

Helt klart en perfekt radiokanal om man vill ha bra musik som står och puttrar i bakgrunden och är less på sin egen musiksamling. Alltid dyker det upp nåt nytt och ska jag vara ärlig så är det faktiskt väldigt mycket “nytt”, dvs sånt som jag aldrig hört förut men som är från det goda 80-talet för det verkar som de är mest inriktade på disco, funk & soul osv. från 80-talet och framåt.

Eftersom det är en fransk kanal och mina franskakunskaper är extremt dåliga så har jag tyvärr inte så mycket glädje av deras hemsida. Men jag gläds i alla fall åt att det finns såna fyrbåkar som sprider den musiken som jag tror hela mänskligheten skulle må bra av att lyssna på.

Tjillevippen

notbugs

Perhaps the only bright spot that emerged from last season for New York Islanders was the chance to select John Tavares. The Toronto Maple Leafs won’t even get a high draft pick with a terrible finish.

Toronto-area native Tavares and the Islanders look to end a seven-game road trip on high note as they face the lowly Maple Leafs on Monday night.

A league-low 61 points last season put New York in position to draft Tavares with the No. 1 overall pick. The 19-year-old center, born in Mississauga, Ontario – approximately 18 miles from Toronto – will make his Air Canada Centre debut.

Tavares has nine goals and 10 assists in 23 games, and has the Islanders (8-8-7) thinking they can end a three-season playoff drought.

The Maple Leafs (4-11-6) have an NHL-low 14 points, but continuing on that pace wouldn’t give them a shot at drafting a first-round talent.

Toronto traded its 2010 first-round pick to Boston for forward Phil Kessel, who has five goals and three assists in nine games.

The Maple Leafs are coming off their second home win, 2-1 in a shootout over Washington on Saturday night. Toronto entered the matchup 1-6-2 at Air Canada Centre.

Check out Rogers Ultimate Access for a chance to ask your favourite Leafs player a question. If selected, your question and answer will be displayed during a Leafs game.

New York has lost two straight following a 2-0-2 start to the seven-game trip, its longest of the season. The Islanders have dropped consecutive games in regulation for the first time since Nov. 4-6.

New York lost 4-1 to St. Louis on Saturday night after falling 3-2 to Minnesota the previous evening.

Tavares was held off the scoresheet in each contest after posting four goals and four assists during a five-game point streak.

Josh Bailey, though, has scored in two straight for the Islanders. Bailey, the ninth overall pick in the 2008 draft, has five goals and three assists in 22 games this season.

Jeff Tambellini was back on the ice for New York on Saturday after being scratched in the previous four games, but was held without a point for the fourth time in five contests. The left wing has not scored a goal in 13 career games against the Maple Leafs.

Toronto went 3-1-0 versus the Islanders last season and has gone 18-4-1 with one tie in its last 24 home games against them. The Maple Leafs are also coming off a much-needed confidence boost at home, getting a strong effort from goaltender Vesa Toskala as they snapped a five-game losing streak.

Toronto bounced back to win in a tiebreaker after a 6-5 shootout loss at Carolina on Thursday night, when it allowed the tying goal in the final seconds of the third period.

“It shows we got character,” defenseman Ian White said. “We’re not just going to fold over and skate away.”

Toskala, who has been criticized for his early season performance, had his best effort of 2009-10. He made 31 saves and turned away both Capitals opportunities in the shootout.

Toskala, though, gave up four goals in each of his last two contests against New York.

Sister Sledge – Reach Your Peak

Nile Rodgers och Bernard Edwards produktioner, oavsett om de producerade för sig själva dvs. Chic eller om de producerade åt någon annan blev på något vis ändå inte något mer än avancerade Chic-produktioner fast med lite andra artister inblandade. Ett kanonexempel på detta är det samarbete herrarna hade med Sister Sledge, det hörs ju rakt igenom att det är Chiclåtar, det är samma musiker, samma bakgrundssångare osv. Till och med David Bowies samarbete med Nile Rodgers låter så väldigt mycket likt de soloprylar Nile Rodgers höll på med vid samma tid.

Men jag ser inget ont i detta fenomen utan det visar på att låtarna är större än artisterna och det är något jag själv upplevt de gånger jag varit och sett Chic live och de då spelat sitt medley med några av de låtar som Nile & Bernard producerade åt Diana Ross på hennes album Diana samt avslutar med Sister Sledge-klassikern He’s The Greatest Dancer. De gångerna har man insett att de farhågor man hade inför att höra dem utan Diana Ross vid mikrofonen är som bortblåsta. Det är ju nämligen Chiclåtar det handlar om i grund och botten och då krävs det en sångerska som vet hur man sjunger CHIC helt enkelt. Sylver Logan Sharp som frontade som vokalist under många år var helt suverän på detta och hon visade att även om hon inte var först att fronta som vokalist så har hon fattat detta med hur man sjunger CHIC. Så Chic är större än de ingående delarna och handlar om ett sound som är otroligt tidlöst och därtill så uttans bra att man garanterat får ståpäls av det när man hör det live.

Chic – Live in Rome

Har själv sett detta live tre gånger och jag får än idag ståpäls när jag ser det på video. Bästa videon jag har på detta är från The Best Disco In Town som gick på Wembley 2003. Har hela konserten därifrån på DVD och den kan rekommenderas för alla som saknar livematerial med Chic. På den DVD får ni dessutom en massa annat godis som Tavares, Shalamar, Rose Royce m.fl.

Men om vi återgår till den första låten i inlägget är den ett exempel på det underbart chic’t exklusiva sound Chic faktiskt står för oavsett vem det sen är som står vid mikrofonen och sjunger. Det lixom alltid lyser lyx, flärd och glamour om deras musik och man känner sig som man tillhör en utvald skara när man hör den.

Tjillevippen

notbugs

Week 7 of the NHL brings both talent and luck to the top of the Conference standings.   Shots on goal, staking claim on the blue line and goaltending has contributed to the unpredictable rankings as we move past the first quarter of the season.

Eastern Conference:

1.

The Washington Capitals top the Eastern Conference despite having lost Alex Ovechkin for a brief stint.  Enter Mike Green, Brooks Laich and Brendan Morrison, among the few who had an opportunity to keep their team afloat.

Goaltending has been a round robin with Jose Theodore and Semyon Varlamov netting the top jobs, but thirdster Michal Neuvirth stepped into a game this week against Montreal. Neuvirth’s opportunity fell short with a loss of  2-3.

My prediction preseason comments:

Washington Capitals- Alexander Ovechkin rocks, we all know that, but I’ll be watching to see if the young goalie, Semyon Varlamov can hold it together.  Critics doubt the strength of this goaltender for the full-season impact, but what I saw last year in the unraveling of the New York Rangers was impressive.   And, Don Cherry loves to rip on Ovechkin for his grandstanding.  How ironic.

2.

When you talk about the New Jersey Devils, Martin Brodeur gets the high five, but the Devils have a strong base and have climbed up in the Eastern Conference because of good play.   The depth of players such as David Clarkson has proven a wise investment with 7 goals, 8 assists and 33 PIMs.  Zajac and Parise have held a stake in the play, but new faces have emerged as pickups in the fantasy world due to productivity.  Right-winger Niclas Bergfors has 5 goals and 9 assists. Defenseman Andy Greene nabbed 3 goals, 6 assists, not the highest stats, but a name that is popping up more frequently in commentary during the game.

Goaltending by Martin Brodeur has been consistent and spot on with a 12-5-1 record.   With a 98% ownership in Yahoo leagues, he’s expected to be great and it’s showing.

Preseason scoop:

New Jersey Devils- So I’m more of a fan of those New York teams, but I have to give it up for the Devils.  Despite Brodeur, I like most of the players.  Travis Zajac, Zach Parise and David Clarkson have all caught my attention like no other New Jersey team in the past.  I’ll be watching and drafting from this team.

3.

The Buffalo Sabres should have won the Stanley Cup in 1999, and I still have issues with that, therefore I am elated to see the Sabres sopping it up in the Eastern conference sitting in third.  Players like Thomas Vanek, Derek Roy and Jason Pominville have provided a base, with Tim Connolly and Drew Stafford being picked up in fantasy leagues more frequently.

Ex-Michigan State Spartan Ryan Miller has been stellar for the Sabres.  His play has put the team where they are. His record stands at 12-3-2 with a GAA of 1.97 and two shutouts.

Didn’t see the Sabres as contenders but were interested in the team on my own accord.  My recommendations for Buffalo revolved around the D in Craig Rivet and Steve Mantador who have proven to keep the lanes clear for scoring.   Talent hidden in the depths of Buffalo

4.

Pittsburgh Penguins sits in 4th carrying a ton of injuries.  Sidney Crosby has done his best, but one man cannot carry it all. There are some lucky charms being utilized. Actually it’s amazing that they are holding on, but expect the Penguins to rise as soon as everyone is healthy.  Fleury could step it up a bit as his stats state 11-7-0 and a shaky GAA of 2.67.

My New York teams sit in 9^th and 10^th.  The NY Rangers were expected to perform better, but their talent is not delivering. One exception for the Garden is Michael Del Zotto with an impressive debut showing 4 goals, 11 assists, and14 PIMs.  The NY Islanders put a great deal of hope in rookie John Tavares and that has proven to keep the team as swimmers, not bottom feeders so far.

Western Conference:

1.

In the Western Conference many fans out west would like to see the San Jose Sharks break their bad playoff karma once and for all.  This year may be it by the hardcore play and dedication towards the playoff run.  That is said every year, but acquiring winger Dany Heatley was a gamble that has paid with 17 goals, 9 assists and 18 PIMs.  Center Patrick Marleau has 14 goals and 12 assists, then you have veteran Joe Thornton with 30 points. This type of scoring creates star power.  Plus, add great depth players in Manny Malhotra, Joe Pavelski, and a strong blue line headed by Dan Boyle co-starring Jason Demers and M-E Vlasic wins games.

Evgeni Nabokov gets respect because he can complete the task in net.  So far he’s achieved 13-3-4 but needs to gain ground in his 2.2 GAA.  Not bad, but could do better.

This was my scope for the Sharks preaseason:

The San Jose Sharks-Because who won’t be watching? Now that Dany Heatley is in, and ineffectual Jonathan Cheechoo is out, the team may have a chance.  Players like M-C Vlasic, Ryan Clowe, and of course, Joe Thornton will try to gain back the fierceness in the Shark Tank.  All hope is on Heatley.  But that may not be enough.  I’m watching from afar.  I’ll be keeping track of Dan Boyle’s stats.

2.

Now that everyone is using the title of young guns for the Colorado Avalanche, seems the team is losing some ammo power slipping to second place. Much hype has revolved around the new overhaul and future accomplishments of the new and improved Avalanche.   Panic attack or another victim of injuries?  J-M Liles was on rotating IR for a few weeks, T.J. Galiardi was out, Adam Foote was out, and so on.  The Avs reportedly have the one of the lowest SOG and GAA stats.  Good defense and goaltending has helped keep the Avs in place.  And they’ve gotten some lucky shots due to Matt Duchene’s accuracy.  Fantasy owners were warned about picking up Wojtek Wolski , but lucky owners have benefited with 9 goals and 11 assists.

Peter Budaj was out with the flu, but did that really matter?  The star of the Avs is Craig Anderson who hit a 12-6-3 record, but a 2.52 GAA, which has slipped.

No one can dispute the Colorado Avalanche are performing well, but so many would like to see them fall down.  Is it that unbelievable that a better mix of players and management can make that much difference?  If you can get the right chemistry, there’s no telling what you can do.

3.

Chicago is a great town and an awesome sports town, so it’s a plus to see one of the Original Six teams doing well. In 3rd for the race, the past is the past and the Chicago Blackhawks are here in the now.  Though Marian Hossa is out, the Hawks have the train rolling.  Great players and I’m a fan.

My thoughts on the team preseason:

Chicago Blackhawks- Take no prisoners.  Out for blood.  Now that the Hawks have Marian Hossa the team should be amazing.  Right?  Let’s hope so after all the hoopla surrounding the team or Toews, Kane and Keith and some other good players that don’t get noticed as much: Dave Bolland, Andrew Ladd, and Brent Seabrook.  Deep dish pizzazz or digging deeper into a cheesy situation.

4.

Fourth place goes to the Los Angeles Kings who I enjoy seeing kicking the sand in everyone’s face.  A beach team has caught my eye with players like Anze Kopitar, Jarret Stoll, veteran Ryan Smyth and numerous guys I had never seen but introduced to by their notable play: Michal Handzus, Jack Johnson and Wayne Simmonds. Goalie Jon Quick is holding up with a 12-7-2 record, but will need to turn up the heat on his 2.62 GAA.

The St. Louis Blues got lost on their way to practice and sit in 13thplace.  David Backes has been a late bloomer and goaltending problems have been a shock to everyone.

Surprises?  The Detroit Red Wings rank 8^th, while the Phoenix Coyotes are ahead in 7th.

Luck can be an amazing helper for teams with mounting injuries and sloppy shooters, but all teams have lucky games.  True skill and talent lie within all teams but don’t produce if the alignment is off or non-existent.  One top scorer can carry a team, but it’s the teams with depth taking it to the playoff run.

We’re in November, where everyone’s thoughts turn to…the Calder Trophy? If the season ended today, NHL.com’s Senior Editorial Director Phil Coffey would be handing the award to New York Islanders rookie John Tavares, while Tyler Myers of the Buffalo Sabres and Ryan O’Reilly of the Colorado Avalanche are forced to smile and applaud. (NHL)

The Washington Capitals have called up former first round selection John Carlson, who is in his first season of professional hockey. With one goal and nine assists this season, Carlson leads all Hershey Bears defensemen in points, and sits third among AHL blueliners. One has to wonder, though, where’s the Karl Alzner callup? (Washington Capitals)

Just an aside, but if it’s the first time Carlson has been called up, have they really recalled him?

The Pipeline Show’s Guy Flaming continues his idea to revamp the Subway Super Series by pitting the various league’s against their imports. With the series shifting to Ontario after Team QMJHL swept the opener, meet Team Non-Canada OHL, led by Cam Fowler, Future Considerations’ top ranked defenseman for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. (Coming Down The Pipe)

Hockey’s Future has released the first of a new column highlighting hot prospects. Much love to the likes of Nicklas Bergfors, Ryan O’Reilly, Bobby Sanguinetti and Brandon Kozun, among others. (Hockey’s Future)

Wondering what’s going on with those wonderful prospects for the New York Rangers, like Ethan Werek or Scott Stacjer? Wonder no more! (Blueshirt Banter)

So many people have been asking me about the Blackbears. Lake County now has a Semi-Pro baseball team, where you must have pro or college experience to play in, so these guys are dang good. I brought my nephew to the first game I had the chance to face paint at, he loved it. He got to participate in a contest on the field, he was thrown a foul ball by a player and got to run on the field with the BlackBear Mascot! I thought it was a great time too, the weather was perfect, they knew going in that a winter league was the only way to go in Florida. The general manager and everyone else I have come in contact with was extremely nice and did anything they could to help me get set up and send customers my way.

The tickets start at $5, there is a bounce house set up for each Sat evening game, as well as my face painting, of course! Bring your family down and enjoy a hotdog at the ballpark the old fashioned way!!

~*~Mandi~*~

I am attending all the Saturday Home games at 6 p.m., and may start attending the Sunday games too.

Nov 21, 2009  Space Coast Surge

Dec 26, 2009  Seminole County Naturals

Jan 2, 2009  Space Coast Surge

Jan 9, 2009 Seminole County Naturals

for more info visit

http://www.lakecountyblackbears.com/

While it hasn’t been the biggest debate of the last half-decade in the hockey world, it certainly has been the one I’m most interested in.

And perhaps the toughest to answer.

Is a prospect better served in the NHL, playing minimal minutes a night and practicing daily in the best league in the world, or is he best developed playing upwards of 30 minutes a night in a developmental league?

Certainly the likes of Rick Nash in 2002-03, Sidney Crosby in 2004-05, Patrick Kane in 2007-08 and even John Tavares this season are strong arguments for players making the jump to the NHL following their draft year.

Even lesser established prospects like the Buffalo Sabres Tyler Myers and Evander Kane of the Atlanta Thrashers are finding success in limited, but important roles seeing different situations.

But more importantly, they’re seeing time.

That wasn’t the case for Columbus Blue Jackets rookie Nikita Filatov who at his own request was loaned to CSKA Moscow to – as Filatov put it – better develop.

There’s no doubting Filatov will see more than his eight minutes per game he was seeing under head coach Ken Hitchcock. There are few that will argue the Blue Jackets and Filatov made a misstep by sending him back overseas, on loan for the remainder of the season.

Filatov is an obvious example. How about someone like Matt Duchene?

Duchene, the third overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft had a strong start to his pro career, making the Colorado Avalanche out of camp and recording six points in his first 10 games. Since, the former Brampton Battalion standout has just one in his last 10 and none in the month of December.

Is it a case of struggling to keep up with the rigorous pace of the National Hockey League, or the case of a struggling rookie grasping his stick just a little too tight?

Duchene is certainly getting enough icetime with over 17 minutes per game. Only John Tavares, who has nine goals and 19 points in 21 games, has played more as a rookie forward this season.

Would Duchene be better served back in the OHL? He’d see more minutes, play a bigger role, but more importantly, produce. And production equates to confidence.

But, how much of a hit would his confidence take if he were returned to Brampton. He’s already got a place of residency in Denver, living with veteran Darcy Tucker. He’s settled in, and hockey players are a creature of habit.

Or take Dmitry Kulikov of the Florida Panthers.

He’s averaging 17 minutes per game, fifth among defensemen under head coach Peter DeBoer. He’s also minus-9. Should he be logging 30 minutes per outing with the Drummondville Voltigeurs? Would he accept such a demotion, or would he request a loan ala countryman Filatov? Is it NHL or bust for the young Russian?

The Ottawa Senators thought former first round pick Erik Karlsson was better served playing bigger minutes with the AHL’s Binghamton Senators.

Karlsson was playing similar minutes to that of Kulikov, but it was decided the Swede would be better served in the minors by general manager Bryan Murray and head coach Cory Clouston.

Karlsson seemed frustrated by the demotion at the time, but has six points in eight games.

Will his demotion ultimately make him a better NHL player? Will staying with the Avalanche make Duchene a better NHL talent? Will Filatov’s return to Russia better prepare him for a return to NHL?

Which course is better for the development of a prospect?

Only time will tell.

Dont look now but the undrafted Brendan Shinniman is making waves in the Western Hockey League as he has already eclipsed what he did in 64 games last season through just the first month and a half of Major Junior action this year. Shinniman’s 15 goals and 34 points trail just Los Angeles Kings prospect Brendan Kozun of the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL’s scoring race, and he’s doing it on the inspiration from the late Todd Davidson, who served as Shinniman’s assistant coach in Midget. (Slam! Sports)

Speaking of Shinniman, he’s been named the WHL’s Boston Pizza Player of the Week. (WHL)

While this scribe certainly doesn’t agree with St. Catherines Standard editorial page editor Kalvin Reid’s assessment of the hit Michael Liambas put on 16-year-old Ben Fanelli or the subsequent suspension levied on the overaged Liambas (in fact, we’re not sure what clip Reid saw when he described the hit as “reckless and clearly from behind,”). Reid does raise an interesting point, though. Should the OHL (and in turn, the CHL) review it’s overage policy? (Slam! Sports)

The accolades continue to roll in for New York Rangers rookie defenseman Michael Del Zotto, who heads up Hockey’s Future Calder Poll for November. John Tavares, James van Riemsdyk, Ryan O’Reilly, Jamie Benn and the injured Victor Hedman round out the top six, who also happen to be featured in Future Considerations’ October Calder Chase rankings. (Hockey’s Future)

Forget the Calgary Flames jumping the H1N1 flu shot queue. The OHL’s Sarnia Sting have jumped on the controversial bandwagon of teams getting the flu vaccination before the general public. To steal the lead of the article, the Sting have been stung. (Slam! Sports)

The National Hockey League confirmed what Future Considerations’ (and everyone else for that matter) already knew: Michael Del Zotto was the most dominant rookie in the first month of the 2009/10 season. The league announced the New York Rangers defenseman as October’s rookie of the month after recording four goals and 12 points in 14 games to start his career. (NHL)

And for those that hadn’t noticed, way down south in sunny Florida is where defenseman Dmitry Kulikov is staying. Perhaps the least talked about rookie, Kulikov shouldn’t get comfortable in the heat. Word is general manager Randy Sexton has no problems sending the young Russian back to junior at any moment should he suddenly struggle to keep pace in the NHL. (On Frozen Pond)

Likely a strong candidate as a runner up to Michael Del Zotto’s October nod, New York Islanders forward John Tavares has hit his stride on Long Island. The club has won four straight games after going winless in its first six. If the Islanders and Tavares continue this, the former first overall selection could unseat Del Zotto atop Future Considerations’ Calder Chase. (NHL)

Who knew? 2010 NHL Entry Draft eligible Alexander Burmistrov thinks Russia will win gold in the Olympics. Go figure! Now who is he betting on in the World Junior Championships? (Hockey’s Future)

Want the latest on your favourite prospects? Follow Future Considerations on Twitter!

Ah, October!

The month where nothing is won but everyone starts awarding everything! The Colorado Avalanche have become Stanley Cup favourites on the strength of Vezina Trophy winner Craig Anderson, while Anze Kopitar is clearing space on his mantle for an Art Ross and Dustin Penner of the Edmonton Oilers can avoid jokes of his inflated contract.

But who gets to walk away from the October awards show with the Calder Trophy, joining the likes of Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, Patrick Kane and Steve Mason post-lockout?

10. Michael Grabner
Vancouver Canucks
1st round, 14th overall in 2006

The Austrian-born Michael Grabner has seized an opportunity to skate with the Vancouver Canucks after a combination of struggles to fellow rookie Sergei Shirokov and injuries to a depleted NHL roster.

In fact, the former first round selection didn’t even start the season in the NHL and instead was optioned to the Manitoba Moose of the AHL to start the season. Grabner performed well in Manitoba, recording four goals and six points in five games. The 22-year-old has done much of the same with the Canucks, recording five points in his short, but likely permanent stay in Vancouver.

9. Jason Demers
San Jose Sharks
7th round, 186th overall in 2008

If one had placed a $20 bet in August that San Jose Sharks prospect Jason Demers would not only make the club, but would be second on the club in defenseman scoring, that someone would now be rich.

Perhaps having the quietest season among rookies this year, the second-year pro is third in rookie scoring with eight points – all assists – in 12 games this season. Perhaps more significantly, Demers is being used in a situation where he’s sure to find success, seeing more icetime than any defenseman not named Dan Boyle.

8. Evander Kane
Atlanta Thrashers
1st round, 4th overall in 2009

Evander Kane is proving that he is the real deal in Atlanta for the Thrashers. The 18-year-old rookie is providing much needed secondary offense on a team whose scoring was just that last year – offensive.

Kane’s three goals and five points in eight games are very respectable, especially considering the former Vancouver Giant has seen just 30 seconds of powerplay time this year. Instead, Kane is being relied on to kill penalties. The former fourth overall pick could see himself promoted to the top line with his strong play and an injury to Thrashers star Ilya Kovalchuk.

7. Tyler Myers
Buffalo Sabres
1st round, 12th overall in 2008

There has been no bigger rookie in the NHL this season than Buffalo Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers – literally. The six-foot-eight Kelowna Rocket product has been used at both even strength and on special teams as well as in the shootout, where he holds the distinction of being the only rookie defenseman to score.

The Dewinton, AB. native has emerged as a significant cog in the Sabres defense to the point where only two teammates have played more minutes than Myers’ 20 per game. Perhaps it’s Myers plus-8 rating, second only to six-year NHL veteran Henrik Tallinder.

6. Victor Hedman
Tampa Bay Lightning
1st round, 2nd overall in 2009

Simply put, no rookie has had as much strain put on him as the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Victor Hedman. The teenage Swede leads both the Lightning and all rookies in icetime, just a second shy of 25 minutes per game.

It could be because the second overall pick in 2009 shares the team lead in points by defenseman and has the second-best plus/minus of anyone on the team at plus-1. While his four points places him fifth among rookie defensemen, there is no doubting who Tampa Bay wants on their blueline right now.

To view the list in its entirety, including the top-5, please visit the Calder Chase at Future Considerations

Toda mãe já fez uma escolha que não agradasse os pais. Um cara que usava rabo de cavalo e a levava em alta velocidade na garupa da sua moto ou um hippie com dreads e um linguajar que só “JAH” conseguia entender.

Caras com beleza fora do padrão são que nem unhas vermelhas, estão sempre na moda. Aqui vai minha listinha – provavelmente esqueci vários. - em ordem alfabética.

obs: Me espanto com o fato de todos terem ligação com música.

Caio - Baixista da banda Scracho.

Dani - Baterista da banda NX Zero.

Fabricio Moretti - Baterista da banda The Strokes e vocalista da banda Little Joy.

Filipe Galvão - Vocalista da banda Hori (curiosidade: filho do Fábio Jr.)

Johnny Knoxville - Ator (curiosidade: Participou do clipe da banda Wolfmother)

Paulinho Vilhena - Ator

Tavares - Baixista da Fresno.

 Eaí mãe, qual você prefere?

Chris Botta has been tweeting up a storm on all things John Tavares from the Washington Capitals, including comments from Bruce Boudreau gushing over the first overall selection from 2009, including, “He knows what to do with the puck. Instincts you cant teach people, he has in spades.” Ovechkin added this gem to the Tavares talk, “He was taken first overall – he has to be good.” (Chris Botta)

Andy Strickland is reporting prospect Alex Pietrangelo will play tonight. It will be only the second time the CHL-eligible defenseman will draw into the lineup, as speculation increases he will be returned to the Niagra IceDogs. (Andy Strickland)

Mark Seidel has his risers and fallers of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Taking a hit is both Kirill Kabanov, who finally got his playing arrangements straightened out, and John McFarland. Props to Barrie Colts Alexander Burmistrov, who has jumped in North America Central Scouting’s ratings considerably. (The Hockey News)

Forgotten Los Angeles Kings goaltending prospect Jonathan Bernier has been lights out for the Manchester Monarchs this season, stopping 208 of 216 shots for a .963 save percentage. His 5-1 record includes two shutout performances and a 1.34 goals against average. The buzzword of the year thus far has been goaltending controversy. Could Bernier start one from the minors?

Prospect Tom Sestito is making noise in the Columbus Blue Jackets organization, and for his hands, not fists. Having over 400 penalty minutes through his American Hockey League career with the Syracuse Crunch, Sestito has always been thought of as a pugulist – until now. The six-foot-five 22-year-old has scored four goals in seven games this season in Syracuse, and could be developing some of that offensive potential that saw him net 42 goals with the Plymouth Whalers in 2006-07 (Puck-rakers)

Week 3 of the NHL season has created a contest of the top 3 NHL draft picks for top prize. But who has actually fared the best?

John Tavares landed with the struggling New York Islanders.  While he was a top choice in the draft, many fantasy owners were wary of taking him early or at all for their roster. Tavares topped lists of “do not draft lists,” including Puck Daddy’s own pre-rank.     Hoping he would bring fans to the games, Tavares has brought an excitement with his talent and skill to the fans with 3 goals and 4 assists.  The Islanders are not faring as well as hoped, sitting next to last in the Eastern Conference and last in their Atlantic division with a 1-2-1 home record, and sad 0-2-2 in road trips.  Tavares has done all he can, but the Islanders still seem disjointed.  It’s only the beginning and I’ve seen teams come from the bottom to make it to the playoffs.  Not so sure that the turnaround can happen, but Tavares has raised a star in his positive attitude and heart to help the team rebuild.

Second pick, Victor Hedman is listed with 4 assists and 10 PIMs for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He has achieved the highest regard playing with Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, Ryan Malone and Mattias Ohlund on the top line, but not as much of a buzz coming from the gulf coast as in Denver and the Island.  Not a huge fan of the beach leagues, but am admittedly interested in watching how this plays out as the Lightning are sitting in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference.  Home games are hot with a 3-0-1 showing but a tough break on the road with 0-3-1. Hedman will have to push it harder if the Lighting can make it closer to the top of the Southeast with Washington sitting pretty on top.

Matt Duchene, who most have claimed that he was the most NHL ready of the top picks, had made his presence know in his new home in Denver, Colorado.  Expectations have been rocky mountain high, and the fans just want the Avs to win.  Sitting firmly in first in the Western Conference with a record of 7-1-2, and undefeated on home ice.  Duchene’s season has begun with a bang posting 1 goal and 5 assists. There’s cautious talk in Denver regarding the playoffs; too soon to speculate, but Duchene is a rookies that has made the impact most teams dream of.  With the mentoring I saw at training camp from veterans Brett Clark, Darcy Tucker and Wojtek Wolski, I’m not surprised that the third overall pick is excelling in the Northwest division.

Colorado Avalanche’s lousy last season has turned into a spectacular turn around and Matt Duchene has made the impact any team would like to see in their top draft pick.  Tavares has great scoring potential, and in my two fantasy leagues he has a place on both rosters, but he needs to lift his team up in the ranks.  Victor Hedman is showing a 33% ownership in fantasy league, while Duchene is only 18% owned.  Tavares wins with 85% owned in fantasy leagues.  Glad to see these top rookies have delivered on their skills and created energy in the NHL for the fans.

I’ve been a DJ for most of my life, whether it was the imaginary radio station in my bedroom when I was 11, college radio, the years I spent getting a full-time paycheck, or the more recent years I’ve done my four and hit the door. Even during the nine years I was out of radio entirely from the mid 90s to the mid 00s, I couldn’t help talking over records in the car like my Top-40 heroes of old. So why did it take me until yesterday, after five-plus years at this blog, to shut up and play the hits?

This first one is one of the best autumn songs I know. On this live version (the song was originally on the radio this week in 1974), some famous folks show up at the end to provide backing vocals and rock some 70s fashions.

Billy Preston’s original “Nothing From Nothing” is one of the most economical records in pop history, streaking out of the gate and taking less than 2:30 to get to the fade, and I’ve always wished it went on longer. On this live performance from the 1980s, it does—about 6 1/2 minutes altogether, as Billy introduces his band.

The fall of 1975 may have marked the peak of Top 40 misogyny—on the chart at the same time you had Elton John’s “Island Girl,” a song about a prostitute that tries to take an admiring tone but misses (and is racist to boot), and Elton’s collaboration with Neil Sedaka on “Bad Blood,” in which Neil sings that “woman was born to lie” and “the bitch is in the smile.” And that fills this video with all sorts of contradictions. His backup singers both appear positively thrilled to be part of this smackdown of their gender, and Sedaka comes off as such a dweeb that it’s clear either one of them could kick his ass.

An alternate viewpoint—quite nearly an answer song—was on the radio at precisely the same time. It’s here. Meanwhile, back here on the show, the Brothers Johnson get on down in a video that seems to have been partly shot through a lens smeared with chocolate pudding.

Veteran TV director Louis J. Horvitz would have gotten away with it if the clip below didn’t include a credit roll from its original source, an episode of Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert broadcast in October 1975. But now we know he’s responsible for giving us as many shots of the Tavares brothers from the back as from the front, and we know how much he loves the circular wipe. LOUIE FOR CHRISSAKES STAY ON A SINGLE SHOT FOR MORE THAN FIVE SECONDS DAMMIT

Mighty good song, though.

Real Estate Market Reality

While most teams are six or seven games into the season, which means each junior-eligible rookie for the next two weeks is fearing any meetings with the coaching staff.

Well, each may be a stretch.

John Tavares of the New York Islanders is sleeping easy, as is rookie leading scorer and top scoring defenseman Michael Del Zotto of the New York Rangers, while buddies Matt Duchene and Ryan O’Reilly have already put a down payment on an apartment in Denver. Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars has more than earned his spot as well after starting the season at a near point-per-game pace. He’s made his case already on a scoring line in the Lone Star state.

Despite these teenage rookie success stories, there remain a handful of 18 and 19-year-olds on the bubble.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers is one of those players. The Kelowna Rockets product has skated in six games this season, averaging the fourth most minutes of all Buffalo defensemen, just shy of 20 minutes a game. The problem that faces Myers, though, is the quality depth on the Sabres blueline, however injuries testing that depth could be the saving grace for Myers. Toni Lydman just recovered from a hand injury, while Andrej Sekera is on injured reserve with a rib injury.

The verdict on Myers is favourable. Regardless of the depth available to the Buffalo Sabres, Myers has made himself a valuable asset. He leads all defensemen on the Sabres with four points, as well as his plus-6 rating second only to Henrik Tallinder. Needless to say, Myers should be looking to move out of a hotel room soon.

The story could be a different one for Myers’ Team Canada teammate Alex Pietrangelo.

Battling an injury, Pietrangelo has drawn into just one game this season and played 13:20 in said affair. The addition of free agent camp invitee Darryl Sydor may have pegged Pietrangelo for Major Junior duty once again, where he will once again lead the Niagra IceDogs. The St. Louis Blues certainly have the luxury of waiting on the fourth overall selection in 2008.

James Wright of the Tampa Bay Lightning may be joining Pietrangelo back in Major Junior, only with the WHL’s Vancouver Giants.

The 117th overall selection in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft has surprised many by lasting this long, but has yet to draw into top-6 consideration for Rick Tocchet’s Lightning. Wright may be better served eating up a significant amount of minutes under Don Hay with the Giants than his 13 minutes a game in the NHL thus far.

Wright, though, shouldn’t expect to see the only other eligible returnee and his Giants teammate rejoin him in Vancouver.

That’s because Evander Kane is playing an integral role with the offensively strapped Atlanta Thrashers. Kane has recorded four points in six outings for the Thrashers, fourth on the team. In fact, Kane’s two goals this season makes him one of only three Thrashers players to hit double digits in the category. It is this reason alone that Kane should start the apartment hunt in Atlanta. Well, that and he has a strong endorsement from general manager Don Waddell.

The oft-discussed Stefan Legein has found a new home. The former Mississauga Ice Dog and once NHL retiree (if a player can retire from the NHL before playing in the NHL) has been dealt from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Philadelphia Flyers. Legein, who missed the first half of the 2008/09 season, eventually returned to the Syracuse Crunch. In six games this season with Syracuse, Legein notched two goals and added a helper. In exchange for their second round pick in 2007, the Blue Jackets receive Philadelphia’s second rounder in 2006 in defenseman Michael Ratchuk. (TSN)

Following up the Legein deal, Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson commended the youngster on his work ethic and attitude since returning from retirement, but needed a fresh start in another organization. (Puck-rakers)

Rookie goaltender Antti Niemi is expected to get the next start for the Chicago Black Hawks, leading to speculation that the club has lost faith in starter Cristobal Huet and that Semyon Varlamov wasn’t the best choice for goaltender in the Future Considerations’ Rookie Pool. (Bleacher Report)

The decision on whether to keep towering six-foot-eight defenseman Tyler Myers on the Buffalo Sabres or whether or not to return him to junior is nearing. It’s hard to think that the former(?) Kelowna Rockets rearguard will be returned after averaging in the neighbourhood of 20 minutes a game. Myers has played in six games, recording four points with a plus-5 rating and is eligible to skate in nine before the Sabres burn up a year of his contract status. (Die By The Blade)

Those keeping an eye on New York Islanders franchise player John Tavares, he’s been taken off his line with Kyle Okposo to balance out the scoring on the league’s 24th most potent offense. (Islanders Point Blank)

To nobody’s surprise, Ottawa Senators prospect and AHL dweller Ilya ‘don’t call me Sergei’ Zubov has been loaned to Salavat Yulayev Ufa of the Continental Hockey League (KHL). The disgruntled Ottawa draft pick had designs of returning to Russia after failing to make the Senators out of camp. Under the terms of the agreement, Ottawa retains the rights to Zubov. No word if Salavat Yulayev Ufa is calling it square after losing Kiril Kabanov to the Moncton Wildcats. (KHL)

“Eu vou tentar mais uma vez
Eu vou atrás, não vou ter medo”

Área Restrita e Fresno

Pepsi on Stage, Porto Alegre, RS

Acesse nosso SITE | FOTOLOG | ORKUT | TWITTER

The Western Hockey League has done something few NHL teams have figured out how to do this season – caught up with Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars. Just a season ago, the WHL alumni led his Kelowna Rockets to a Memorial Cup appearance. Turns out he doesn’t miss taking the bus. (WHL)

Just because you’re probably curious, former first round pick and current Atlanta Thrashers prospect Angelo Esposito has had a less than spectacular start to his professional career, recording just two assists and a minus-3 in four games with the Chicago Wolves. Just thought you should know. (AHL)

And what would a prospects’ site be without a mention of this gem from The Bleacher Report, asking who is the biggest bust of all time. For the record, our vote goes to John Tavares /sarcasm. (Bleacher Report)

Mark Santorelli and Cal O’Reilly, both Nashville Predators prospects, play an interesting game of musical chairs after Santorelli ends his point-less (not pointless, though if he is point-less does that make it pointless?) NHL campaign to start another one in the American Hockey League, while O’Reilly comes up to prove he isn’t the answer either. Maybe we shouldn’t have picked him as a sleeper in our Rookie Preview. (AHL)

Kirill Kabanov isn’t the only young Russian turning heads in North America. Los Angeles Kings prospect Andrei Loktionov has had an impressive start to his professional career in Manchester of the AHL after moving on from the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL last season. (AHL)

Speaking of Kabanov, here is the hyperbole of Sportsnet journalist Patrick King calling the Moncton Wildcat forward an Ovechkin/Crosby hybrid. The rest ain’t too bad. (Sportsnet)

Fazia tempo que eu vinha com esse post na cabeça, até separei os vídeos e as fotos na casa de João, mas fiquei com preguiça.

A Capricho nova tenho Fresno na capa, aí eu – que não quero crescer – entrei no site e vi uns vídeos de bastidores. Confesso que não entendo qual é a de Tavares, que fala que é do mal e posa de asinha HM* O tema do ensaio tem alguma coisa a ver com Tim Burton (você não foi o único que não achou influência por aí), e eu adorei que meu Buddy Poke tá fazendo escola e o baterista tenha copiado descaradamente.

Ana Cat. dá um mega abraço de urso pagando 3 oros.

O vídeo é esse: