|
|
Bloggers 
My HockeyBuzz
 Hockeybuzz on Versus
Cap Central
Fantasy
Forums
Store
Chat
RSS
|
Season Ticket Login Free Registration! |
Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 |
 |
|
Hello all :)
Before I get started with today's blog, I just wanted to thank everyone who sent in birthday wishes! I am certainly feeling the love and it is much appreciated :) Thank you!!
Many of you have sent in questions for me to answer and many of them involved college hockey (which I am so proud of...yey for college hockey!) so I'm going to break them up and answer a few questions in each blog so I don't end up writing the longest blog ever. As always, feel free to send in or post any questions about NHL, NCAA or international hockey and I will do my best to answer them...although, I will go on record and say that I am NOT a psychic and can't predict the future, but I most certainly can give my opinion on what I think will happen :)
Here goes:
Q: What collegiate hockey program that you have covered would you most like to play for and why? - steal_your_faceoff
A: If I were a perspective student-athlete, I would look at several factors: facilities, coaching staff, opportunity to play, opportunity to win a championship and most importantly if that school - courses of study and environment - were the right fit for me. There are several schools who have top notch facilities (examples: Ralph Englstad in North Dakota, the Kohl Center in Wisconsin, Aggainis Arena in Boston) and several who have extremely well known and respected coaches (examples: Jerry York at BC, Red Berenson at Michigan, Don Lucia at Minnesota). The opportunity to play would be dependant upon my skills (which aren't all that wonderful due to lack of practice) and the opportunity to win a championship would be dependant upon my teammates (which are unknowns in this scenario). So, for the purposes of this exercise, let's say that I kick butt and so do my potential teammates no matter where I went. I studied journalism and sports management which are common courses of study, although some programs are better than others, so we'll call that a wash as well, since I'd be able to study it pretty much anywhere. That leaves the environment...If you've been reading my blogs, you'd know that while it would be an honor to follow in some very storied footsteps, I like to blaze my own trail. I'd like to go to a school and make history...not just be part of it. So, I'd chose an up and coming program that really hasn't made it's mark yet and do my best to put it on the national map. At the moment, schools that fit that description in regards to hockey are: Notre Dame, Northeastern, Vermont, Ohio State, Miami, Princeton, Cornell, Massachusetts and St. Cloud...depending on how much work you want to put into blazing that trail!
Q:How satisfying is it to see the moment of realization on someone's face (a player or whomever) when they understand that you actually know what you're talking about when it comes to the game? As that light bulb moment occurs, do you find they treat you differently? - steal_your_faceoff
A: It's always a great reward to see your hard work recognized, but I wouldn't say they treat me differently once they discover that I do indeed know what I'm talking about. They just ask more questions or find me in the press box to chat later...not because they're trying to stump me, but because they genuinely want to know my opinions. I love to debate and discuss the merits of different teams or players and whether people agree or disagree with me, it's usually a very interesting discussion.
Q: Do you think the Pens will make a significant move to acquire an elite winger for Crosby and add a physical d-man or secondary scoring? - Matthew - Butler, PA
A: I sure do. :) The Penguins brass knows that they have waaaaayyyyy too much talent not go deep in the playoffs let alone miss them all together and will do what they can to get the right pieces to fit in with what they've got. Problem is they gave up a lot last year for a rental player and I don't believe they'd be willing to do the same this year. So either they're looking for someone signed through at least next season OR they just won't be as willing to give up so much. You didn't ask this, but if I had to prioritize my wish list for the Pens it would be a top line winger for Sid way at the top and then much further down the list after more snacks in the press box, I'd have a physical defenseman and secondary scoring. First of all, a winger for Sid will fill the secondary scoring issue. Second, Gonchar's return to the lineup was huge...HUGE! Gill and Orpik still rock things out and now that they have more offense and experience with Gonchar back and Whitney feeling comfortable again...defense is not an issue. The real question is not if you would make a move, but rather what are you willing to give up?
Q: Can you give me your perspective on what Matt Gilroy will do this off-season? Do you have any idea who has the inside track to sign him?
A: For those of you new to my blog, Matt is a senior defenseman at Boston University and is one of the most sought after college free agents this season. Obviously, he will sign somewhere it's just a matter of where and more importantly when. What makes Matt interesting is his age...he's 24 and therefore able to by pass the standard three year, capped rookie contract. He is a free agent in every sense of the word and because of what he brings to the table, a minor bidding war could ensue. So, you're looking at teams with a lot of money to throw his way and an available spot for him in their NHL lineup. Teams that fit that description aren't likely to make the playoffs and since I fully expect BU to contend for the national title, Matt won't be available until the playoffs. Therefore, I don't expect him to sign until the summer. I also know that Matt's family (Mom, Dad and all seven siblings) moved from Long Island to Massachusetts to be closer to him so they could watch him play. Therefore, it's not necessarily unlikely that he'll sign with a western conference team (this is the NHL we're talking about here so I don't think he'll be this picky), but I'd be surprised. Given all that, I would say that Toronto is a very likely destination for Matt. Brian Burke is a big fan of offensive defenseman who can move the puck up ice and skate well. He also likes to bring in stand up guys with a ton of character and leadership ability, both of which Matt fits the bill, and he's a big fan of pulling guys in from the college ranks having been one himself (at Providence). The Leafs also have the money and an available spot for him. There are definitely other teams who are very interested, but none that fit quite so nicely. My second most likely destination for Matt would be the Kings. He would fit right in on that team and be able to provide some instant leadership as he's used to guiding 18 and 19 year-olds.
Q: When Brodeur breaks Roy's win record in a few weeks, will you think less of me if I sob like a little girl? - WayneZ
A: No...but let's get a grip here dude...it's just hockey... ;)
Q: Do you think the Sharks and the Bruins peaked too early and will not make it to the Stanley Cup finals? - Greg - Montreal, Que.
A: Do I think they peaked too early? No. Do I think they'll make it to the Finals? Your guess is as good as mine, although they have a much better chance than most. I was actually talking with one of the assistant coaches from San Jose about this not too long ago. He was actually glad they were facing some adversity if only so they could learn how to get through it and more importantly do it as a team. In years past, they've had smooth sailing until the playoffs and then they get behind in a series and don't know how to dig themselves out...hopefully, now they do. As far as the Bruins go, they hate to lose....H-A-T-E to lose. I know you're saying all teams hate to lose, but it's just not the same. They not only want to win, they want to be the best. I've heard players talk after a win about the mistakes they made and what they're going to do to prevent it from happening again while all the reporters are talking about what a great game they had. And when they lose...I don't even want to go in their room...you'd think they had just lost Game 7 of the SCFinals...in triple OT. Rather than just letting it roll off their back, they use it as fuel to their fire and turn it into a motivating force and a reminder that there are not invinceable and that they can, in fact, be better. They will come out of this tough stretch better for it and that is a scary thought for every team in the Eastern Conference.
That's all for now...
Talk soon!
Julie
JulieLovesHockey@gmail.com
Before I get started with today's blog, I just wanted to thank everyone who sent in birthday wishes! I am certainly feeling the love and it is much appreciated :) Thank you!!
Many of you have sent in questions for me to answer and many of them involved college hockey (which I am so proud of...yey for college hockey!) so I'm going to break them up and answer a few questions in each blog so I don't end up writing the longest blog ever. As always, feel free to send in or post any questions about NHL, NCAA or international hockey and I will do my best to answer them...although, I will go on record and say that I am NOT a psychic and can't predict the future, but I most certainly can give my opinion on what I think will happen :)
Here goes:
Q: What collegiate hockey program that you have covered would you most like to play for and why? - steal_your_faceoff
A: If I were a perspective student-athlete, I would look at several factors: facilities, coaching staff, opportunity to play, opportunity to win a championship and most importantly if that school - courses of study and environment - were the right fit for me. There are several schools who have top notch facilities (examples: Ralph Englstad in North Dakota, the Kohl Center in Wisconsin, Aggainis Arena in Boston) and several who have extremely well known and respected coaches (examples: Jerry York at BC, Red Berenson at Michigan, Don Lucia at Minnesota). The opportunity to play would be dependant upon my skills (which aren't all that wonderful due to lack of practice) and the opportunity to win a championship would be dependant upon my teammates (which are unknowns in this scenario). So, for the purposes of this exercise, let's say that I kick butt and so do my potential teammates no matter where I went. I studied journalism and sports management which are common courses of study, although some programs are better than others, so we'll call that a wash as well, since I'd be able to study it pretty much anywhere. That leaves the environment...If you've been reading my blogs, you'd know that while it would be an honor to follow in some very storied footsteps, I like to blaze my own trail. I'd like to go to a school and make history...not just be part of it. So, I'd chose an up and coming program that really hasn't made it's mark yet and do my best to put it on the national map. At the moment, schools that fit that description in regards to hockey are: Notre Dame, Northeastern, Vermont, Ohio State, Miami, Princeton, Cornell, Massachusetts and St. Cloud...depending on how much work you want to put into blazing that trail!
Q:How satisfying is it to see the moment of realization on someone's face (a player or whomever) when they understand that you actually know what you're talking about when it comes to the game? As that light bulb moment occurs, do you find they treat you differently? - steal_your_faceoff
A: It's always a great reward to see your hard work recognized, but I wouldn't say they treat me differently once they discover that I do indeed know what I'm talking about. They just ask more questions or find me in the press box to chat later...not because they're trying to stump me, but because they genuinely want to know my opinions. I love to debate and discuss the merits of different teams or players and whether people agree or disagree with me, it's usually a very interesting discussion.
Q: Do you think the Pens will make a significant move to acquire an elite winger for Crosby and add a physical d-man or secondary scoring? - Matthew - Butler, PA
A: I sure do. :) The Penguins brass knows that they have waaaaayyyyy too much talent not go deep in the playoffs let alone miss them all together and will do what they can to get the right pieces to fit in with what they've got. Problem is they gave up a lot last year for a rental player and I don't believe they'd be willing to do the same this year. So either they're looking for someone signed through at least next season OR they just won't be as willing to give up so much. You didn't ask this, but if I had to prioritize my wish list for the Pens it would be a top line winger for Sid way at the top and then much further down the list after more snacks in the press box, I'd have a physical defenseman and secondary scoring. First of all, a winger for Sid will fill the secondary scoring issue. Second, Gonchar's return to the lineup was huge...HUGE! Gill and Orpik still rock things out and now that they have more offense and experience with Gonchar back and Whitney feeling comfortable again...defense is not an issue. The real question is not if you would make a move, but rather what are you willing to give up?
Q: Can you give me your perspective on what Matt Gilroy will do this off-season? Do you have any idea who has the inside track to sign him?
A: For those of you new to my blog, Matt is a senior defenseman at Boston University and is one of the most sought after college free agents this season. Obviously, he will sign somewhere it's just a matter of where and more importantly when. What makes Matt interesting is his age...he's 24 and therefore able to by pass the standard three year, capped rookie contract. He is a free agent in every sense of the word and because of what he brings to the table, a minor bidding war could ensue. So, you're looking at teams with a lot of money to throw his way and an available spot for him in their NHL lineup. Teams that fit that description aren't likely to make the playoffs and since I fully expect BU to contend for the national title, Matt won't be available until the playoffs. Therefore, I don't expect him to sign until the summer. I also know that Matt's family (Mom, Dad and all seven siblings) moved from Long Island to Massachusetts to be closer to him so they could watch him play. Therefore, it's not necessarily unlikely that he'll sign with a western conference team (this is the NHL we're talking about here so I don't think he'll be this picky), but I'd be surprised. Given all that, I would say that Toronto is a very likely destination for Matt. Brian Burke is a big fan of offensive defenseman who can move the puck up ice and skate well. He also likes to bring in stand up guys with a ton of character and leadership ability, both of which Matt fits the bill, and he's a big fan of pulling guys in from the college ranks having been one himself (at Providence). The Leafs also have the money and an available spot for him. There are definitely other teams who are very interested, but none that fit quite so nicely. My second most likely destination for Matt would be the Kings. He would fit right in on that team and be able to provide some instant leadership as he's used to guiding 18 and 19 year-olds.
Q: When Brodeur breaks Roy's win record in a few weeks, will you think less of me if I sob like a little girl? - WayneZ
A: No...but let's get a grip here dude...it's just hockey... ;)
Q: Do you think the Sharks and the Bruins peaked too early and will not make it to the Stanley Cup finals? - Greg - Montreal, Que.
A: Do I think they peaked too early? No. Do I think they'll make it to the Finals? Your guess is as good as mine, although they have a much better chance than most. I was actually talking with one of the assistant coaches from San Jose about this not too long ago. He was actually glad they were facing some adversity if only so they could learn how to get through it and more importantly do it as a team. In years past, they've had smooth sailing until the playoffs and then they get behind in a series and don't know how to dig themselves out...hopefully, now they do. As far as the Bruins go, they hate to lose....H-A-T-E to lose. I know you're saying all teams hate to lose, but it's just not the same. They not only want to win, they want to be the best. I've heard players talk after a win about the mistakes they made and what they're going to do to prevent it from happening again while all the reporters are talking about what a great game they had. And when they lose...I don't even want to go in their room...you'd think they had just lost Game 7 of the SCFinals...in triple OT. Rather than just letting it roll off their back, they use it as fuel to their fire and turn it into a motivating force and a reminder that there are not invinceable and that they can, in fact, be better. They will come out of this tough stretch better for it and that is a scary thought for every team in the Eastern Conference.
That's all for now...
Talk soon!
Julie
JulieLovesHockey@gmail.com
Join the Discussion:  |
 |