andPOP » hockey

Russell Peters’ ‘Breakaway’ Trailer

andPOP Staff — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:20:20 +0000

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Rajveer has been obsessed with hockey since childhood, but being raised a traditional Sikh meant he had to wear a turban which prohibited him from playing. Having a natural talent for the game, but being of an ethnic minority in a traditional white-man’s sport, Rajveer decides to takes matters into his own hands and creates an all-Sikh hockey team!

andPOP’s ‘Something New’ Looks At Competition Within Bands

andPOP Staff — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 21:39:55 +0000

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Inspired by professional wrestling and reality television, Korey and Jordan put artists to the test. Meanwhile, Dan visits a different type of competitive atmosphere for some insight on the coveted Polaris Prize.

New Couple Alert: Taylor Swift and Chord Overstreet?

Christian Allaire — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 22:44:51 +0000

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On one hand, we have the cute, country-singing, innocent Taylor Swift. On the other, we have a pop-singing, TV star, gleek Chord Overstreet. Match made in heaven? I think so.

The two stars were spotted hanging out at an L.A Kings hockey game at the Staples Center last night, E! Online reports with pictures.

Overstreet, 22, seems a perfect match for Swift, 21. They are in the same age range, both teen sensations, blonde, musically talented, and good looking. This coupling is much better than when Swift was canoodling with Jake Gyllenhaal or John Mayer (barf). At least they are in the same age range and could create beautiful babies. I’m pretty sure babies with John Mayer would be born saying sarcastic, douchey things.

Perhaps the meeting wasn’t just romantic, though. Maybe the two were discussing a glee collaboration? Swift’s country anthems about boys and love and boys seems perfect for the tween-teen hit show. Or maybe Swift was warming up to Overstreet so she could get closer to Cory Monteith, whom she was spotted having dinner with earlier this month.

The reasons for their meeting is a mystery, but what I do know, is that I approve. Although I am not a fan of Swift’s music, nor a fan of the show Glee (it has gone downhill), these two together just feels right. Two blondies who sing? Doesn’t get any better than that.

Game Review: NHL 2K10

sarge-ak47 — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:49:52 +0000

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The Play offs have started.

The last hockey game I bought for full price was Wayne Gretzky’s 3D Hockey for the N64, since then I haven’t really fallen in love with any new hockey games. Sure, I’ve played my share but nothing has captured the frenzy of the old hockey games and has left me wondering if maybe my expectations are a bit too high. No, I haven’t been under a rock or anything, I’ve played and kept up to date on the newer NHL games but nothing has really stood out enough for me to merit a purchase.

When talks were brewing about NHL 2K10 utilizing the Wii Motion Plus accessory I was really excited to see how evolutionary this title might turn out to be. This excitement was due to the fact that the last sports title I played that utilized the Motion Plus was the excellent Tiger Woods 10. In the end it’s the actual utilization of this little gizmo that will either make or break this title.

So does NHL 2k10 have what it takes?

Gameplay
I’m rather glad that we have this healthy competition going for NHL games. When two or more developers take on a sport you really get to see the creativity come out in each iteration. Where I would call the “other developer” one that goes to fine tuning the gameplay experience, I will give 2K the edge in providing sheer value. Bonus points for 2K for being first to bring hockey to the Wii. What clearly separates the 2K series in the end is its pick up and play arcade-like feel, where as I find the other hockey game out there has become more of a hockey simulator. Now don’t get me wrong, if you feel that the sim approach is what you love then you can certainly replicate that here. One of the features is the ability to tweak every aspect of the game (the 2k sliders) which makes the 2K10 a more robust offering.

Score!!!

In terms of modes you have your normal assortments- starting with season mode, franchise, mini rink, play offs, online, and pond hockey. With the option of having a no hassle quick match online or off, things are kept simple for those of us who might be overwhelmed with the options. There is even a mode to have your Mii become a seasoned hockey player. The actual bevy of play modes are sure to keep the fans of the sport hooked. The game does a great job of offering an auto sign in option the moment the disc is booted but despite all its intentions I found match making to be a frustrating waiting game almost any time of the day. I suppose the real blame lies in the fact that a large majority of Wii owners are not online nor divulging their attention to other fine games on the platform. Elaborating on the Mii integration the title offers themed motion controlled games that focus on the actual play mechanics of hockey. Modes that showcase goalie skills, shoot outs, passing, and dekeing get their own motion controlled challenge. I hate to call any of these mini games since they are far from a party offering; the reason being most of these motion controls are not as simple to grasp and master as you would want for a mini game. Add in also the fact that really there are just 5 different types of games that don’t beckon multiple replays. I know we all hate mini games as a stand alone concept but I believe almost any sports game on the Wii could benefit from a couple of light party style mini games thrown for variety online or off. Online wise there is nothing better than having a league match where you control just one player. Having ten people play with you is a rare achievement in online hockey. It’s a shame though that the Wii Speak isn’t being bundled with this game since most people online are mute.

What this title lacks in the game play department is a true identity, it begins as an arcady experience that tries to dive into sim territory with somewhat fair motion controls. It’s a decent effort but nothing really revolutionary let alone evolutionary. The real drawback is that the package is almost identical to the other consoles offerings save for the small Mii features and that just won’t do.

The controls require the use of a nunchuck as expected with the alternate option going to the classic controller. New this year is the Wii Motion Plus which technically should offer added precision and take this game to exciting heights.
The key word there was “should” since the application of the Motion Plus peripheral is a mixed bag. Flicking the controller to pass is horrendously inaccurate and trying to poke check and tackle someone by thrusting the controller feels ridiculous. What they did manage to nail is the goalie controls that have you face the Wiimote and nunchuck at each other to stop some speedy shots. Granted it’s not as fast of a reaction time as I would have wanted but does the job well. Taking a shot however feels amazing, the further you draw back the remote the more power you can expect to utilize. It is very subtle but just enough to make you appreciate it.

Another good application is the slight stick control you achieve by holding down on the D-pad and using the Wiimote to move your stick to evade incoming attackers. This creates a type of dekeing that is unrivaled on any console. No longer are you limited to idiotic button presses, now your control of the puck is all in your wrists. These applications are far from excellent but do lay out the framework which should help create a more immersible experience next year. The rest of the controls are fairly well laid out with movement allocated to the control stick while shooting and passing respectively being kept to the A and B buttons; finally turbo and backward skating are assigned to Z and C. With respects to passing and shooting you still have to hold the button down and flick the Wiimote to complete the move, honestly I would recommend you turn on pointer passing for your offline sessions since it feels more like an evolution than the motion controls.

At the end of the day it seems like the game really can be played with the same level of immersion without the Motion Plus however the dekeing controls are just so delightful that you might as well try it for yourself.

Now motion plus enhanced.

For the next iteration they should focus on the soccer control blue print ala the fine Winning Eleven series. There are small elements of that here such as pointer passes but unless they treat this sport for what it is (fast paced strategic game play) these problems may repeat year after year.

I will warn you about the Wii Speak utilization, the peripheral is tied to a 16 digit code so go ahead and invest in it. Chatting during a game is smooth and the Wii Speak channel gives you all that in-game access. You’re never really disconnected at any point during team selection to the moment the puck drops. The best moment seems to be when you’re in an online 10 player league match and then are sent to the box to chat with your rival for fighting. Online hockey deserves voice chat! It’s a shame that the peripheral is tied so strongly to a serial code.

Graphics
Things are kept really simple here which is somewhat sad. I find it amusing where other sports titles go out of there way to push the graphical limits of the console, the only game that truly lacks behind is hockey. I’m not just speaking just of the Wii offering, I’m talking about all the console versions. We have seen football, soccer, basketball, baseball, and countless other sports improve drastically each year but the hockey games just seem to get a better reflection mapping on the ice.

Who has a Wii here and is Online??

The Wii version seems to have horrendous cut out crowds and horrible reflection maps. Players do look like the real life counter parts albeit some stiff facial animation. Moving on the positive side of things the shadow works and player animations are very impressive. In fact all those gripes are forgiven once you see and entire arena in motion. For what it’s worth the animation saves this title from looking truly last gen. Still this is a bare minimum and things need to be stepped up drastically next year.

Sound
The standard array of sound effects you’d hear in any hockey game are here. With decent crowd reactions and fairly well done commentating. I found it impressive that they do a recap at the end of each period, despite sounding a tad bit vague it’s definably an extra effort that is appreciated on the Wii. The sound effects are sharp and well done except for the post ricochet which ends up sounding a bit too loud and fake. Musically the game has a decent selection of tracks that are catchy and mainstream. Nothing like hearing Lupe Fiascos’ Superstar the moment you score the first goal.

There should be a drinking minigame in every hockey game

Replay
The sheer amount of things to do will keep you occupied for some time, with tons of modes designed to test your hockey skills. Obviously creating a well rounded online experience with leader boards insure this is an exceptional offering on the Wii. I only wish there were creative Motion Plus themed mini games designed outside the constructs of the game that were more geared towards a party expierence (I can’t believe I just wrote that). Maybe I just expected a bit too much but a good example was how Tiger Woods 10 handeled these options. It’s just about the quality of the offerings.
Another mention to the spectacular online mode despite its horrendous match making option. If you know 10 people who own a Wii (by now we all know at least 50) get them to buy this game and play as a league, I believe this is the greatest online experience on the Wii since Smash Bros. Brawl.

Verdict
NHL 2K10 is a hockey game without an identity. It dances around the fine line of arcade vs. sim without leaning to any one side. It’s a big deal they broke ground on the Wii with a more than decent effort but things need to improve as far as controls and graphics. The list of options and production values won’t win any awards but do deliver a good hockey game. If you own just a Wii and are a hockey fan then this is a must buy; however if you own any other console you might want to rent and see if the 2K series is right for you. Either way give this game some of your attention.

Gameplay          3/5
Graphics        2.5/5
Sound                  3/5
Replay                 3/5

Game Review: NHL 10

Josh Salem — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:55:27 +0000

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There are two things I have never done. 1) I have never gotten so into a sporting event that I yelled for (or at) a team or player. 2) I have never gotten so into a video game that I jumped up, yelled at the screen, and swore. NHL 10 for the Xbox 360 made me do both, and I have to admit, I liked it.

I’ve never been an emotional gamer, and I’ve never been that much into sports (then again, as a Canadian, I feel there’s a default certain level of national pride we all share with hockey), but when playing as the Toronto Maple leafs and winning 2-1 on game seven against Ottawa for the Stanley Cup and with less than 1 minute left in the third period you can’t help but get a little into it when Ottawa scores the tying goal with seconds left on the clock. Yes, I jumped up, yes my voice got loud and shrill, and yes I did say some things that would make a sailor blush. I think this was the most rewarding aspect of NHL 10, that after 17 past NHL titles, EA still has what it takes to make a casual hockey fan into a raving sports fanatic, and I didn’t see it coming.

Basically what’s new from last year to this beyond some new features such as playing the boards, first person fighting, and last ditch attempts at shots is the focus of the game, which now has a much stronger scope on the intensity and fierceness of playoffs and winning the Stanley cup.

For those new to video games, NHL 10 is a hockey simulator (more so than a game as each year passes) in which you are presented with a myriad of gaming options beyond just playing a game of hockey (oh Blades of Steel, how I miss you). How many game modes you ask? well there’s: Battle for the Cup Now Mode in which you are sent straight to the finals of the playoffs, Playoff Mode where you can take part in any type of post-season play from any of the leagues available (NHL, OHL and more), Season Mode in which you choose a league type customize your season preferences and decide if you want to take part in a fantasy draft with all new full roster control mode. We are also given one of my favourite features, Be A Pro Mode in which you create your own character and control only that player as he is drafted, trained and even sent back to the minors based on your personal performance. I found this mode to be extremely interesting as it seemed to be the most realistic, heck, if you get a penalty you have to sit in the box and watch from the side as you feel shame (Slapshots reference anyone?). Performance Tracker Mode shows off your hockey cards (bonuses and achievements… kind of), stats, and milestones related to your profile career. Tournament mode allows for 8 or 16 teams in a world tournament to see what country is the best, and apparently the Montreal Canadiens Centennial team is the one to beat. Create a Play mode allows you too… well, create a play, Practice mode gives you a minimal tutorial (sure it shows you how to play, but no matter how much I practice, I still suck at the game). Online play mode allows for multiple online variations of the game including league play, My NHL 10 mode allows you to create your own custom player, manage rosters, deal with media via the media hub, and more. My Pro mode allows you to go into the hockey shop and buy new equipment, track your performance, and edit attributes. Finally my favourite mode in the game, Be a GM Mode.

Rock'em Sock'em Hockey!

Now, as you can see, there are ALOT of ways to play NHL 10, and as my favourite is the new Be a GM Mode I guess you can decipher that I’m just not that good at the actual hockey playing. I can hold my own (in rookie mode), but for the life of me I rarely ever score goals. In comparison to other sports GM modes however, I found NHL 10′s to be lacking, aside from making trades with your Blackberries (the higher your rank, the more Blackberries you get to use) and drafting there really isn’t much more else involved, you can increase your employee stats but from what I found in the 5 years of being a GM, it doesn’t really make a difference. The good news though, is that if I become the GM of the Maple Leafs, they will win the Stanley Cup in 2014!

We’re not here to read all about the different modes and what I thought of them though, we’re here for hockey! so lets talk about how it actually plays out. The default controls are intuitive, left stick controls your skates, right controls your stick for easy deking and aiming shots. If it gets a little complicated there are many other control schemes to choose from, my alternative favourite being NHL ’94 mode with the only buttons being B to shoot (or check) and A to pass (or switch players), simple. Now otherwise the only other control schemes I think worth talking about in this review would be the wall play and fighting. Wall play if you have the puck and are near the wall push Y and you brace yourself against the wall so that you may kick the puck to a teammate. Alternatively if you are near someone doing just that, you can force a player onto the walls and steal the puck from them. Now fighting is by far my favourite part of actually playing the hockey game, first person fighting, after the whistle action, instigation, it’s all improved in such a way that you can fight almost whenever you want. When fighting you’re brought into first person mode: left stick moves your body, right stick aims your fists of fury; as well you can tug on your opponent’s jersey, perform upper cuts and if you want to chicken out, you can pull both shoulder buttons and turtle.

Graphically NHL 10 is superior to NHL ’09, but then again, isn’t that always the case? Smooth animations, motion captured skaters, reflections and now especially crowd interactions (banging on the windows, swinging team colours around during playoffs and whatnot). This is EA Sports, the annual NHL title, it’s got to be the best of the best, the most polished out there and as such it has a lot to live up to. I’m here to tell you that it does live up to it’s expectations, amazing realistic graphics and not a single glitch to be found.

Dragon Force just screams hockey anthem, doesn't it?

Music is another story. While NHL 10 has a number of big songs from the likes of Green Day, CKY, and Dragon Force; and they’re all great songs, I found they didn’t really mesh with the game. Especially when playing in non-hockey modes like Be a GM the heavy strong songs just keep playing over and over and while I enjoy the tunes, songs that pump you up for a game, kind of confuse you when negotiating a trade. Grunts and whistles are standard fair but what I feel most players are interested in would be the voice commentary? Is it annoying? Does it repeat often? Luckily the answer to both is no. As Gary Thorne and Bill Clement come back from NHL ’09, NHL 10 has similar banter from great voices in hockey and there are enough specific commentary calls to keep players interested in what they have to say time and time again.

Overall if your a fan of hockey games, you probably already own NHL 10, however, if you’re like me and haven’t really gotten into a hockey title since NHL ’99, this year is as good as any to dive back in due to the many options in terms of difficulty and control. However, I have to warn you, there is quite a steep learning curve for those new to the title, trust me, I’ve been playing for a while now and I still suck (yes, I guess it could be that I just overall suck but… let’s not go there). With a plethora of options, game modes, and online play (I was just invited to an online team for online league play) this title will keep you busy for a long long time… or at least until NHL 11 comes out. Hopefully then the GM mode will expand to something more in depth, more in line with other GM modes like Madden and other GM specific titles.

Gameplay: 5/5

Graphics: 5/5

Sound: 4/5

Replay Value: 5/5

P.S. I’ve never given a game Editor’s Choice before, congrats EA Sports!

NHL 10 Midnight Launch at Yonge & Dundas Future Shop

Josh Salem — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:14:05 +0000

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Where do Toronto Film Fest buffs, WWE RAW fanatics, free concert goers, and Maple Leaf hopefuls converge at 11:59PM on a Monday? Why Future Shop at Yonge and Dundas in down town Toronto for the midnight release of EA Sports’ NHL 10, hosted by Xbox Canada of course!

AndPOP was in tow to witness the launch of what may very well be this year’s best hockey title. In a town that loves their hockey hundreds lined up early, a pick-up street hockey game was going on across the street, and anticipation was high for the clock to strike midnight.

Fans lining up outside Future Shop. Sorry about the poor picture quality.

At the event which took place both in Toronto as well as Vancouver Hockey stars were present to offer photo ops and autographs to fans waiting (Trevor Linden in Vancouver and Wendel Clark & Ian White in Toronto). As well, the Xbox Canada crew gave out t-shirts, lanyards, and one lucky hockey fan even walked away with an Xbox 360 Elite unit! Game stations were available for all to try out the newest NHL title and in my little time spent watching this station, I saw hockey fans, TIFF fans, concert goers, and Wrestling fans go at it complete with smack talk on the side of Yonge street.

NHL 10 producer, Sean Ramjagsingh was available for questions, and to ensure everyone would love the thrill of hockey of course.

While there, I got a chance to speak with the producer of NHL 10 Sean Ramjagsingh who filled me in on a couple of the new features in this year’s title. “This year we really tried to capture the emotion and intensity of NHL hockey, the importance of solid tough guys and really make them important, just like in real life. ” (Yes, I took that as the fighting and hitting are getting major boosts this year around) Sean also discussed the new features such as first person fighting (what I am most excited for), post whistle play, interactive and intense crowds, and the new board play feature, “you can pin guys against the board defensively or offensively, dump the puck in and be really strong against the boards, team mates will come in and support you. really changing the gameplay” says Sean, as well, with over 150 goalie animations, the revamping of the goalie specifically will really give gamers new intensity levels to deal with, especially playing online in leagues and tournaments.

Adam, the first purchaser of NHL 10 in Toronto. While you read this and wait for stores to open on the 15th, he will already be dekeing, fighting, and scoring hat tricks.

As the line proceeded into Future Shop at midnight, eager fans (as well as some passer byers) faces lit up as they stood on the escalator to be met at the top with employees welcoming and handing fans copies of the title. I was able to speak and get a photo with Adam, the first purchaser of NHL 10 to walk out of Future Shop with the game in hand and while I didn’t want to keep him from playing the game he eagerly waited for, I couldn’t help but feel the same sense of urgency to rush home and pop this bad boy into my Xbox 360. After seeing people play the game, and speaking with Mr. Ramjagsingh, I rushed home, but like any responsible reporter, work first play second. Once this writeup is over, I’m heading straight to the Xbox for some NHL 10 goodness. Well, would you look at that? writeup is over! HOCKEY TIME! (stay tuned for a full review in the near future).

NHL ’10 Crashes the Party Sept. 14 Across Canada

Brett Caron — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:07:51 +0000

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Are you excited for EA Sports NHL 10? If you’re Canadian, probably. The #1 selling console game in Canada has it’s launch parties in Toronto and Vancouver Monday, September 14. The Toronto party will be at the Yonge and Dundas Future Shop with Wendel Clark and Ian White (of Maple Leafs fame) from 9pm to 11:45pm, and in Vancouver’s Granville and Robson Future Shop with Trevor Linden of the Canucks. The Future Shop locations will be open until 1am, so check it out if you’re not too busy… and on a Monday night, what’s your excuse?

Cheers!

Sneak Preview – EA NHL 10

Josh Salem — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:07:11 +0000

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andPOP was given a special opportunity to have a look at EA NHL 10 which comes out very shortly. Jordan and Josh spoke with Patrick Kane and John Tavares about being on the cover, and also had a quick play of the game. What we can say is it’s the best EA NHL game yet!

NHL 10 Demo Exclusive

sarge-ak47 — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:54:42 +0000

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Ea Sports NHL 10 Demo is out now… but only for Gold subscribers on Xbox Live! The demo has been out since the 20th and will be available for PSN and silver members come the 27th.

The new game modes showcased this year include battle for the cup- a rundown of the finals including the tension ridden game 7 of the play-offs and Be a Tough Guy promises to give a personal touch on the duties of a protector/enforcer on the ice.
Gold members on live… I envy thee until the 27th

More NHL 2K10 Media To Keep Us All Excited!

Josh Salem — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:09:09 +0000

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That’s right hockey, sport, and gamer fans. We have been given the green light to release this new second teaser trailer showcasing the features and fun of NHL 2K10 for release this fall.

Briere takes center stage in this teaser as he unleashes a breakaway that is stonewalled by Turco before dekes, hits, and mid-pass team changes ensue as all hell breaks loose (hockey style).

Enjoy the video after the break!

NHL 2K10′s First Teaser Trailer Is Here

Josh Salem — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 17:25:02 +0000

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Here you go hockey and game fans, below you will find the first official teaser trailer for NHL 2K10 by 2K Sports.

With an new emphasis on casual gaming now both the hard-core and not-so-hard-core and both join in on the fun with true to life authenticity, revamped AI, online and offline multiplayer, and much more! NHL 2K10 faces off September 15 for the Wii, PS3, PS2, and Xbox 360.

Enjoy!

Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane is the new face of EA Sports NHL 10

Josh Salem — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:44:14 +0000

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Yesterday in the Blue Jay room of the Renaissance hotel at the Rogers centre among a group of eagerly awaiting journalists, it was announced that Patrick Kane would be the one to grace the cover of EA Sports NHL 10, being released this September.

Kane, winning the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year in 2008 and leading the Blackhawks to the Western Conference finals, will be the youngest player (at the age of 20) to be chosen as the cover athlete of the NHL franchise. “It’s exciting to be on the cover of my favourite video game after playing just my second year as a proffessional,” Kane says. “When you look back at some of the great players who have had this opportunity, it’s an honor to be a part of the EA Sports family and contribute to a game I’ve been playing for more than 10 years.”

Along with Kane, John Tavares (expected to be the top pick in the 2009 NHL entry draft) has signed on to promote NHL 10. “It’s exciting for me to team up with Patrick to promote EA Sports and get the chance to play NHL 10 before it’s out in stores.” Says Tavares.

Speaking of getting the chance to play NHL 10 before it comes out, as well at this event not only did we get to see Kane take on Tavares playing NHL 10 (Tavares won), but we also had a chance ourselves to give NHL 10 a spin! With over 200 new tweaks to the game’s system including highly detailed interactive fans, new board playing techniques, and my favourite, first person fighting (complete with jersey tugging), we can’t wait to get this baby out of our dreams and into our consoles this September!

CBC Announces New Hockey Anthem: ‘Canadian Gold’

andPOP Staff — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 13:42:52 +0000

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After 40 years, Canadians, you finally have a new hockey anthem! Canadian Gold-composed by Colin Oberst received the majority of the votes in a contest put on by CBC, The Hockey Night In Canada Anthem Challenge. Don Cherry announced on Saturday night, at the beginning of this year’s season.

Oberst, an elementary school teacher from Alberta, has been teaching music for the past 10 years. He is an avid music writer and is a member of an Edmonton-based band. He submitted a total of five compositions to the challenge.

As the first-place prize winner Oberst will receive $100,000 and half of the ongoing performance royalties, while the other half of the royalties will go to Canadian minor-league hockey.

In a news release from CBC.ca, Scott Moore, Executive Director of CBC sports said that, “We couldn’t be more pleased with the amount of interest the country has shown in the Anthem Challenge…Canadians really stepped up to the plate and demonstrated their passion for hockey and for Hockey Night in Canada.”

Interview: Eric and Jordan Staal at The Launch of NHL ’08

andPOP Staff — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 21:08:24 +0000

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The next installment of EA Sport’s NHL franchise, NHL ’08 was released this week, featuring Eric Staal on the front cover.

andPOP got a sneak peak at the games new features and spoke with the Staal brothers, Eric and Jordan, as well as those crazy Hanson Brothers. Check out the entire interview below.

New features in the game include:

- Skill Stick Moments
- AHL Integration
- All New Player Communication
- European Elite Leagues
- and more!

Available now for PS3, Xbox 360, PS2 and PC consoles.

Sports Column: Cup Crazy: Stanley Cup Finals Begin Monday

andPOP Staff — Sun, 04 Jun 2006 03:36:45 +0000

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And then there were two.

After eight months of NHL hockey, the two teams who will battle for the Stanley Cup have been decided. The Carolina Hurricanes will host the eighth seeded Edmonton Oilers on Monday as the final series of the 2005-06 campaign will be underway.

After knocking off the Buffalo Sabres this past Thursday in game 7 of the eastern conference finals, the Hurricanes secured their second trip to the finals in the last four years.

The Edmonton Oilers, after finishing off the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in five games, headed to the New York area as they awaited their opponent. The Oilers had an eight-day layoff and took the time to heal, bond and relax in the practice facility of the New York Rangers.

This is a match-up that few hockey pundits could have predicted. The last time there was NHL hockey, both the Hurricanes and the Oilers failed to even make the playoffs.

Even though the Hurricanes had 17 more points than the Oilers during the regular season, both teams appear to be evenly matched now that records can be thrown out the window.

The Hurricanes boast the best power-play in this year?s playoffs; the Oilers combat that stat with the highest penalty killing efficiency.

Hurricanes forward Eric Staal leads his team [and the NHL] with 20 points in the playoffs; Staal also leads his team with 13 assists. Chris Pronger leads the Oilers with 13 assists of his own. ?Canes captain Rod Brind?Amour and Oilers forward Fernando Pisani both have 9 goals for their respected teams (tied for the lead in the NHL).

While some believe the Hurricanes are deeper up-front, their fourth line has not been able to score a single point so far this post-season. The Oilers have received scoring from all their lines, including from their defence and their goaltender Dwayne Roloson, who leads all playoff goalies with two points [both assists].

Game one is scheduled for Monday night at 8 p.m. EST in Carolina.

Tidbits & Notes:

- Hurricanes rookie netminder Cam Ward, an Alberta boy and an Oilers fan growing up, is looking to be the first rookie goalie since Patrick Roy in 1986 to win a Stanley Cup in his rookie year.

- Out of all the players remaining in the Cup hunt, only Cory Stillman can be a back-to-back champion if the Hurricanes win. Stillman was a member of the 2004 Tampa Bay Lighting Stanley Cup championship team.

- For the second straight playoffs it will be a southeast team vs. a team from the northwest division (as well as a Canadian team). In 2004, the Tampa Bay Lighting beat the Calgary Flames in seven games to win the Cup.

Sports Column: NHL Final Four – Good or Bad for Business?

andPOP Staff — Sun, 21 May 2006 02:59:31 +0000

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The Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lighting, Nashville Predators and the Calgary Flames were all sent packing in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Colorado Avalanche, Ottawa Senators, New Jersey Devils and the San Jose Sharks followed suit in the second round.

And then there were four. An unlikely four really; Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes and the Edmonton Oilers.

Welcome to the new NHL.

When the National Hockey League re-launched after the 301-day lockout wiped out the entire 2004-05 season, Commissioner Gary Bettman promised that under the new economic structure, all teams, regardless of their marketplace, would be able to compete on an even playing surface as the wealthier teams. Even though Bettman is vilified by hockey fans, give the man some credit, he achieved exactly what he said he would.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, one team that had a significant advantage economically in the old NHL, failed to make the playoffs this year. Clear-cut ?favourites? like Detroit, Philadelphia, Dallas, Colorado, Ottawa and defending Stanley Cup champions Tampa Bay all hit the golf courses early this year.

Having Anaheim, Buffalo, Carolina and Edmonton as the final four teams remaining in the Cup hunt is a good thing for the league in the sense that it is proof smaller market teams can make a legitimate run at the Cup. The Edmonton Oilers were able to acquire Chris Pronger, Michael Peca, Sergei Samsonov and Dwayne Roloson this season. Carolina went out and got Doug Weight and Mark Recchi, Anaheim were able to sign Scott Neidermayer and bring back Temmu Selanne.

However, on the flip side, having four small market teams eliminates the large fan interest that a Toronto, Montreal, Detroit and Colorado final four would have generated.

So far, the NHL has been successful in increasing ratings and attendance throughout the regular season, but now when the Cup is about to be awarded for the first time since June 2004, will anyone care?

In hockey-mad Canada, if the Oilers make it to the finals, they will take the place of the ?04 Calgary Flames as ?Canada?s team?. If the Sabres represent the eastern conference in the finals, most likely more fans would possibly tune in since Buffalo is much more of a hockey market than Anaheim or Carolina.

It does remain to be seen whether a Ducks-Hurricanes final would be disastrous or beneficial for the NHL since the ?new? league is centred on making money and generating fan interest to smaller markets. If fans in those respected cities are the only ones who care, then the NHL would be achieving neither.

Sports Column: Gold for Canada’s Juniors … Again

andPOP Staff — Sun, 08 Jan 2006 01:59:04 +0000

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So, it?s back-to-back gold medals for Team Canada at the World Juniors.

It?s also back-to-back lopsided victories over the Russians for our boys in red and white.

This year?s win however was a just a little sweeter considering coach Brent Sutter?s squad were considered underdogs?and oh, did I mention the tournament was held in British Columbia?

Capturing gold in front of a partisan capacity crowd at GM Place in Vancouver marked the first time a Canadian junior team won gold on home ice since the tournament was hosted in Red Deer, Alberta in 1995.

However, playing the Russians for the second straight year was not the only d?j? vu moment for Team Canada:

Last year when the Canadian Junior team captured gold in Grand Forks, N.D., they trumped the Russians 6-1 in the final game. This year, the boys notched a 5-0 victory over their hockey rivals.

In the past two years, both countries finished first in their respected groups and thus earned a by into the semi-finals. Canada entered the elimination rounds with a perfect record and beat the Czech Republic in 2005 and Finland in 2006.

The Russians entered the semis with a 4-1 record last year, but maintained a perfect record this year. For the past two years, it was Russia vs. the United States in the semi-finals. Both affairs were one-sided victories for Team Russia as they posted 7-2 and 5-1 wins. Tempers flared at the end of both games as the American players took exception to the embarrassing scores. The offensive onslaught brought by the Russians showcased their abilities on the big ice surface as they outscored, outplayed and outskated the Americans?Team Canada were taking notes.

In the gold medal match-up itself, the Canadians were going up against a skilled Russian squad highlighted by their star captain; in 2005 Russia were led by the first pick overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Alexander Ovechkin and this year?s squad was captained by Evgeni Malkin, the player taken number two behind Ovechkin in the ?04 Draft. Both young men possess speed, size and skills that make them offensive threats. In 2006 Canada?s game plan heading into the final game didn?t change from the year before?take out the Russian captain.

The gritty Canucks applied bodycheck after thunderous bodycheck to Ovechkin in Grand Forks, ditto for Malkin this year to try and intimidate them physically and take them out of their game. Malkin faired pretty well in comparison to Ovechkin, considering he was able to actually finish the game.

During Russia?s 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Team Canada in ?05, Ovechkin suffered a dislocated shoulder which forced him out of the gold medal game in the second period. Teary-eyed, he was helpless to watch his club suffer defeat at the hands of a high-powered Canadian team.

With a target on his back and the captain?s ?C? on his chest this year, Malkin was subject to the physicality Sutter?s team became infamous for. The Canadian players forced him to the corners and finished their checks every time he had the puck. Malkin, who comforted Ovechkin the year before, crumpled on the ice in tears as the Canadians piled on goaltender Justin Pogge in celebration.

Who knows what next year?s World Junior Tournament will bring when the event is held in Sweden. What is known is Team Canada will have many of the players who played on this year?s team available to play again [barring the possibility any of the eligible crack a NHL roster in October.] The Russian squad however, will enter a new-look team next year as majority of their roster this year consisted of 19-year-olds. Brent Sutter will probably be asked by Hockey Canada to come back as head coach and attempt to go for the three-peat as Canada?s under-20 Squad will again be defending gold medal champions.

Sports Column: Olympic Buzz Surrounding Team Canada’s Roster

andPOP Staff — Sun, 04 Dec 2005 00:01:00 +0000

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The Winter Games do not officially begin until February 2006, but Olympic fever in this country is alive and buzzing.

The deadline for Olympic hockey rosters is less than 20 days away. December 22nd is the day Wayne Gretzky and Co. will have to submit the 23 names of the players who will attempting to regain Canada?s Olympic gold medal won in the 2002 Salt Lake City games.

Paring the long list of 81 players down to only 23 will be a difficult task since there are many young, talented players making a strong case for their inclusion on the Olympic roster.

During the first quarter of the NHL season, youngsters Jason Spezza, Eric Staal, Dion Phaneuf and Sidney Crosby have all dominated the standings and the headlines.

Uncertainties surrounding players like Mario Lemieux, Steve Yzerman and Rick Nash could open up spots for some of the young forwards as Phaneuf could find himself in a battle for the seventh [and last] position on the back end against the top-scoring defenseman in the League, Toronto Maple Leaf Bryan McCabe.

Prior to the start of this NHL season, it seemed that the only positions solidified were those of the three goaltenders; Martin Brodeur as the starter with Jos? Th?odore and Roberto Luongo serving as his back-ups. But thus far, the best Canadian-born goalie in the NHL is Curtis Joseph with a winning record of 11-7-0 along with two shutouts and a 2.12 Goals Against Average.

All of these scenarios put executive director Gretzky and his staff in a complex situation; do they opt for a younger, faster team to match the speed and skills of the European countries or do they continue on with a roster of familiar veteran faces? Do they take another chance on Joseph in net after his 2002 outing vs. Sweden? And most importantly, does NHL play really weigh in heavily on who is selected for the final team?

As a fun exercise, get together with your hockey buddies and brainstorm your own Team Canada roster, then on the 22nd of this month when the official 23-man list is released, you can see how you faired, and maybe you?ll discover you have a future as a general manager for a hockey club. Feel free to post your lists right here on andPOP?s comments section.

2006 Team Canada Men?s Olympic roster Frontrunners

GOALIES: Martin Brodure, Curtis Joseph & Jos? Th?odore, Roberto Luongo & Ed Belfour **Only 3 will be selected**

DEFENCE : Ed Jovonovski, Wade Redden, Chris Pronger, Scott Neidermayer, Bryan McCabe, Rob Blake, Adam Foote, Jay Bouwmeester, Robyn Regehr, Scott Hannan & Dion Phaneuf **Only 7 will be selected**

FORWARDS: Mario Lemieux, Joe Sakic, Jarome Iginla, Simon Gagn?, Dany Heatley, Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, Brad Richards, Shane Doan, Ryan Smyth, Joe Thornton, Jason Spezza, Eric Staal, Paul Kariya, Steve Yzerman, Michael Peca, Rick Nash & Sidney Crosby. **Only 13 will be selected**

‘New’ Players in the ‘New’ NHL

andPOP Staff — Sun, 06 Nov 2005 06:32:23 +0000

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New York Rangers? forward Jaromir Jagr is the cover boy of this week?s issue of the Hockey News with the headline that reads: ?I Love New York.?

The last time fans saw Jagr, it would be hard to convince anyone he loved playing in the Big Apple. It seemed the passion Jagr displayed during his years in Pittsburgh was gone.

However, with a full NHL campaign lost due to a labour dispute, it is out with the old and in with the new.

Jagr is one of the many NHL players who have embraced the rule changes implemented by the League to allow the offensive, skilled players the time and space to be crafty with the puck to boost scoring and create excitement for fans.

During the lockout last season, Jagr re-gained his love for the game of hockey when he played for Avangard Omsk of the Russian Super League. Jagr even agreed to return to Omsk if the lockout would have continued on into this season as well.

Prior to the start of the season, the question surrounding Jagr was: ?Which Jagr would show up? Would it be the Jagr who played in Pittsburgh or the Jagr who played in Washington and New York??

Along with the ?new? NHL, fans and reporters alike have seen a ?new? Jagr lead his team with 23 points in only 15 games. The Rangers as a team have been a pleasant surprise as they current sit atop of the Atlantic division in the East. If the Rangers keep up their winning ways, they could be poised to make the playoffs for the first time since 1997.

Alexei Kovalev, Jagr?s former team mate in both Pittsburgh and New York, is also proving critics wrong with his play thus far this season.

Kovalev, who re-signed with the Montreal Canadiens after testing the free agent market this summer, cleared up any thoughts that he did not enjoy his brief stint with the Habs after being traded from the Rangers in March 2004.

After a slow start with Montreal, Kovalev showed what he was made of during the playoffs as he was a key player in helping the Canadiens upset the Boston Bruins in the first round.

With the crackdown on obstruction, Kovalev has been given the room he desires to hold onto the puck and cycle dangerously around the opposing net. This season, Kovalev has 16 points in 15 games and has seemingly been a positive role model for rookie Alexander Perezhogin.

Montreal fans have been treated to an Alexei Kovalev who not only scores goals, but passes the puck, doesn?t over-stay his shifts, delivers hits, blocks shots, plays defensively to kill off penalties and so far has yet to give up on plays like he has done in the past.

Both Jagr and Kovalev are surrounded by skilled linemates, [Michael Nylander & Martin Straka for Jagr and Saku Koivu & Richard Zednik for Kovalev], which helps enhance their play as first-line players and also being a part of winning teams helps boost their confidence.

Prior to the start of the season, Kovalev, eager to bring another championship home to Montreal, was quoted as saying playing in New York messed up his career and the Rangers in the last few years are notorious for ruining careers of star players.

That may have been the case since the Rangers, who had the highest payroll in the pre-salary cap era of the NHL, were New York?s greatest under-achievers; however, Jagr and a younger Rangers squad are proving that anything is possible in the new NHL.

Sports: Analyzing the ‘H’ Trade

andPOP Staff — Mon, 31 Oct 2005 14:53:47 +0000

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When Ottawa Senators GM John Muckler announced the blockbuster sign and trade of superstar forward Marian Hossa to the Atlanta Thrashers for another superstar caliber player in Dany Heatley, the hockey world stood with their jaws hanging open.

Just a month after the National Hockey league announced their new economic structure, the Sens and the Thrashers orchestrated a monumental trade that had no clear winner.

Numerous articles and columns were written following this trade trying to point out which team got the better end of the deal and opinions varied. But the consensus was there was no way to declare a ?winner? in this trade until both players have a chance to step onto the ice with their new teams.

Almost a month into the season, the Ottawa Senators are at the top of the Northeast division with 16 points and the Atlanta Thrashers, who have not made it to the post-season in their 5 year history, are dead last in the Eastern Conference as well as tied for last place in the entire League.

But team standings don?t tell the full story. Through the struggles of the Thrashers, Hossa is a plus-3 and has 13 points in 11 games [4 goals, 9 assists]. Healey, surrounded by more offensive supporting cast in Ottawa, has 18 points in 10 games [8 goals, 10 assists] and is an impressive plus-9.

For both players, their goals and focus has changed dramatically along with their surroundings. Healey is now concentrating on leading the Senators deep into the playoffs and ultimately to a Stanley Cup win and on the other hand, Hossa has to push all thoughts of hoisting the Cup over his head and focus on pulling his team from the bottom of the ranks to squeeze into the last playoff spot if possible.

Maybe 10 games in is still a little too early to understand the full impact both players will have on their new teams, especially considering both Heatley and Hossa are signed for three seasons with Ottawa and Atlanta respectively.

Saturday night in Toronto when Dany Heatley scored four goals, I was reminded of January 2, 2003 when Marian scored four goals in a game [ironically it was a game against the Thrashers.]

January 2, 2006; three years after scoring four goals in Atlanta Marian Hossa will be in Atlanta. This time however, he will be in the home team?s jersey, looking across the ice at his old teammates and at Dany Healey when the Senators face the Thrashers for the first time this season.