Burrows Enjoying In-Game Meal During Stanley Cup Finals... ((UPDATED: No Suspension))

((HT: NHL on NBC))

To say the Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals has been a chippy one is a bit of an understatement... face washes, cross-checks, and two high-sticking on Zdeno Chara's face are just the beginning...

The HQ thinks we'll be here a while...
Alexandre Burrows may not after this...
((HT: PuckDaddy))


Our guess is that there will be a one-game suspension from NHL League Minster of Defence pro tem Mike Murphy...

At least... silly play at a bad time...

OFF DAY UPDATE: Burrows is not suspended...

"After reviewing the incident, including speaking with the on-ice officials, I can find no conclusive evidence that Alex Burrows intentionally bit the finger of Patrice Bergeron," Mike Murphy said in a statement.

Burrows denied biting Bergeron...

"I don't mind rough play and scrums at the end, as long as it's just pushing and shoving and all that," Bergeron said following the game. "But biting? I mean come on."

This should go over well for Game 2...

Sunday NHL Recap: Surprising 2-0 Leads...

((HT: NHL/Versus/NBC))

In the western conference, the Sharks got output from Ian White and Niclas Wallin- of all people- to get a 2-0 series lead with a 2-1 win...


But it was the big guns that gave Tampa their 2-0 series lead in a 3-2 overtime win over the Washington Capitals. Vinny Lecavalier scored twice, including the game-winner, and Martin St. Louis netted the other...

The Bettman Talks Phoenix Coyotes, Goldwater Not Moving

((HT: Sportsnet Radio FAN 590 Toronto via Howard Bloom, Globe and Mail/Shoalts))

The Bettman was on Sportsnet Radio's "HockeyCentral" to discuss the Coyotes and the new television deal...

He's obviously half-happy right now, and had plenty to say in the 8-and-a-half minutes he was on the air. One of his salvos was at the Goldwater Institute:

"If the deal collapses, they may never have to prove they were right, unless somebody sues them for some sort of interference notion. But that's what caused the deal to go sideways. What the City of Glendale has been doing, with our help and with Matt Hulsizer, is trying to figure out another way to do this where it doesn't involve having to sell the bonds in a way that the Goldwater Institute can interfere."

One of David Shoalts main points was in his talks with governors of NHL teams- both past and present. The moving of the Atlanta Thrashers is less hated than the Coyotes since, apparently, they don't want to lose Phoenix as a hockey market.

Even if Atlanta is ten sizes larger in Neilsen numbers...

Also, if the Thrashers move, it could be a straight-up trade for Nashville or Columbus to switch conferences to create natural rivalries. The HQ's money would be on Nashville to be paired with Tampa, Raleigh, Florida, and Washington. It would also help the Predators since they're not one of the more free-spending organizations in the league.

Here's the interview in full...

Here's the latest interview with Darcy Olsen of the Goldwater Institute to update all of us on the deal...
((HT: AZPBS))

NHL stays with NBC and Versus

NBC-NHL Logo/Courtesy: NHL.com

And you know what that means if you are an NHL fan. For those who aren't; Versus is a small cable sports network owned by Comcast, who owns NBC. They broadcast hockey, pro bull riding and other largely obscure sports.

At 1 pm today, there will be a news conference with Heir Bettman (NHL Commish Gary Bettman) and Dick Ebersol. They will discuss the details of their new agreement. One, which the network will pay somewhere north of $200 million a year for 10-years, according to the Sports Business Journal.

Read the whole story and some reaction from Yahoo Sports RIGHT HERE

Perhaps the most interesting thing here is that ESPN didn't win the rights. Most consider the 4-letter, the alleged "Gold-Standard" in TV Sports. We disagree.

While not overwhelming fans of Versus...in part because the network is incredibly hard to find on both Cable and DirecTV, they do an excellent job on their telecasts and in promoting the games.

We also applaud the league for getting some money up front now. The past several years, it was an ad-share deal (they split ads, NBC paid nothing for the rights) and that limited revenues. Sure, it doesn't compare to the NFL's multiple billion dollars in TV rights, but its a good start. The revenues should help some of the smaller market teams and league gain a bit of stability.

This is a bit of a gamble for NBC, but we are reasonably confident the deal was done to help grow the Versus. We hope they'll rebrand it now, and according to the Yahoo story, it appears they will.

We hope this will continue the recovery of one of our new favorite sports. Though we didn't have much in the way of hockey growing up in Florida, we've come to appreciate the skill, stamina and pure physicality of the game. Yes, its still much more fun to watch in person, but hopefully as things progress, it will be seen more and better on TV too.

Video to come later today.

Blackhawks Take Game 5, 7-4 In Chicago

The Chicago Blackhawks power-forward Dustin Byfuglien, bumped from the top line as was Patrick Kane, had two goals and two assists to lead the home team to a 7-4 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, giving the Blackhawks a 3-2 lead in the Stanley Cup Finals.

"I think he got rid of us and started performing. That's all he needed," said Kane, who also had a goal and assist. "He was a force and had some big hits, one on [Chris] Pronger I think everyone remembers."

Game 6 is Wednesday back in Philly...

Doc Emrick and Eddie Olczyk have the call...
((HT: NHL on NBC))

Game 1 Goes To Hawks By 1, 6-5

If NBC was worried about offensive output being a problem as a correlation to ratings, Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals gave the Peacock a bit of a breather where that's concerned.

Flyers goalie Michael Leighton had the three shutouts in the Eastern Conference Final. In Game 1, he gave up 5 goals on 20 shots in just over 35 minutes before he was replaced by Brian Boucher.

The game had four lead changes and 5 tying goals as the Blackhawks won their first Stanley Cup Finals game since Game 5 of the 1973 series 6-5 over Philadelphia.

Let's take the evening chronologically...
Here's the anthem no one heard... thanks to nhl.com


The Hawks' Tomas Kopecky was in the lineup only because of an injury.

A healthy scratch for the last five games, Kopecky was playing because Andrew Ladd's shoulder injury meant he had to sit. He took Ladd's spot on the third line with Kris Versteeg and Dave Bolland. They combined for the game-winner with 11:35 left in regulation.

Here's the highlights, thanks to the NHL on NBC...


And here's Marian Hossa and Troy Brouwer, thanks to our friends at the NHL...


How did the Hawks' Kris Versteeg sum up the night...???
"It was a lot of fun. And, I almost had a heart attack."

Game 2 is Monday night in Chicago...

Cammalleri Stays Hot As Habs Even Series

Mike Cammalleri scored two goals and Jaroslav Halak made 38 saves as the Canadiens surprised the Pittsburgh Penguins by winning 3-1 on Sunday to even their series at a game a piece.

Canadiens head coach Jacques Martin didn't name Halak as Game 2 starter until just before the game itself considering his getting shelled in Game 1.

Game 3 is Tuesday night in Montreal, followed by Game 4 on Thursday. The first playoff series between the teams since 1998 returns to Pittsburgh for Game 5 on Saturday.

Here's one of Cammalleri's goals. One more suited for BP or bunt practice...
((HT: NHL on NBC))

Sturm Und Drag, Part Deux: Out For Playoffs

((HT: NHL on NBC/HockeyHighlightsPlus))

Boston Bruins head coach Claude Julien has confirmed that Marco Sturm will miss the remainder of the playoffs with a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee. He got the injury in his first shift of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Philadelphia Flyers. Sturm had to be helped off the ice after attempting to check Flyers' defenceman Matt Carle.

In a release, the Bruins stated that Sturm would undergo surgery within the next four-to-six weeks and will need at least six months to recover- meaning that he will, probably, miss the beginning of next season as well.

Here's the play and replay... Doc and Edzo are on the mic...

Sturm Und Drag

Another playoff opener, another injury...

Boston Bruins forward Marco Sturm left their playoff game against Philadelphia in the first period with an apparent right leg injury.

The Bruins announced later in the period that Sturm "would not be returning" to Saturday's game, the first in the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Flyers.

Sturm went to the ice in the Flyers' zone in the opening minute and stayed down while play continued at the other end. After the whistle, a Bruins trainer came on and Sturm eventually got to his feet. He skated off, but favored his right leg.

More when we know more...

But here's what Sturm is known for this NHL Season: the game-winner for the Bruins against the Flyers in the Winter Classic at Fenway...
((HT: NHL on NBC/RedWingFan1340))

No Suspension For Hossa

The NHL announced Sunday it will not suspend Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa for his hit/shove on Nashville Predators defenseman Dan Hamhuis during Saturday's Game 5 in their Western Conference series.

NHL Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell conducted a hearing by telephone with Hossa earlier Sunday afternoon.

Campbell made the following statement after the meeting:

"I have made the decision that this play does not warrant supplemental discipline after considering all of the facts, including reviewing the video and speaking with Mr. Hossa," said Campbell. "This play is distinguishable from recent incidents by a number of factors, including the degree of contact involved; the fact that the consequences of the play do not appear to be as severe; that this was a hockey play involving a race for the puck; that Mr. Hossa is not a repeat offender; and that the call of a major penalty by the referee was significant and appropriate."

A five-minute major penalty for boarding was called on Hossa at the 18:57 mark of the third period. While Hossa was serving the penalty, teammate Patrick Kane scored a shorthanded goal with 13 seconds left in the game -- the first time in the history of the Stanley Cup Playoffs that a shorthanded goal was scored to tie up a game in the last minute of regulation.

Here's the Hossa play that got him the five-minute major...
((HT: NHL on NBC/TSN))


Hossa served the final 3:57 of his boarding major as the Predators and Blackhawks went into overtime. Ten seconds after exiting the penalty box, Hossa scored the game-winning goal to make it a 5-4 victory for the Blackhawks.

Here's the game-winner...
((HT: NHL on NBC/TSN))


And here's the evidence that everyone was pointing to for a suspension of, at least, one game for Hossa... the Ovechkin hit on Hawks' D-man Brian Campbell March 14th that forced him to stay out of a boatload of games down the stretch...
((HT: NHL on NBC))

Ovechkin Gets 2 Games For Campbell Hit

The NHL suspended Alexander Ovechkin for two games for his hit on Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brian Campbell on Sunday afternoon.

Here's the hit, for those of you who want to see it again...
((HT: NHL on NBC))


Ovie was given a five-minute major boarding penalty and a game misconduct in the first period for knocking Campbell into the boards. Campbell remained on the ice for several minutes before being helped to the dressing room by trainers.

CSNChicago's Brett Ballantini reports Campbell will miss the remainder of the regular season

"I respect everybody," Ovechkin said after Sunday's game. "We respect everybody here in the locker room and outside, but over there [on the ice], we play for our team, and we make some hard hits, and sometimes, you get hurt. That's a hockey game."

Here's Ovie's reaction at the time of the hot on Campbell- along with that of Caps head coach Bruce Boudreau
((HT: CSNWashington))


Ovechkin, who was suspended for two games on November 30th, now is considered a repeat offender under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Accordingly, he forfeits $232,645.40 in salary, based on the number of games in the season (82), rather than the number of days (193).

Ovechkin will miss Washington's next two games -- March 16 at Florida and March 18 at Carolina. He will be eligible to return March 20 at Tampa Bay.

Ovie Breaks TV Equipment With Breakaway Goal

((HT: NHL on NBC))

Or, at least, takes out the protective casing and knocks the wireless microphone out of its hole. In the first of his three goals against the Pittsburgh Penguins Sunday, Alexander Ovechkin hit the protective casing of NBC's goal cam with such force that...

Well, how about we just let Doc, Mike, and Pierre tell you...


Destroying inanimate objects...
Well done, Pierre...

Ovechkin Scores Hat Trick As Caps Come Back

((HT: NHL on NBC))

In what is, probably, the pre-Olympic version of the Game of the Year, the Washington Capitals stormed back from a 4-1 deficit to defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins in overtime 5-4 in Washington Sunday afternoon.

Sidney Crosby made an early statement scoring two goals and staking a 2-0 lead for the visitors who had to fly from Montreal to Newark and, then, bus to DC. They arrived in the nation's capital at 2:15 in the morning for the noon-time puck drop.

They were forced to eat at a Burger King drive-thru on the drive down at midnight, and were happy that the place was open despite the weather.

Sam Kasan with the Penguins gives the blow-by-blow of the trip down Saturday...

4:43 PM: The Penguins’ game in Montreal ends
5:52 PM: The Penguins arrive at Montreal Airport
6:47 PM: The Penguins get through customs and board the plane
7:30 PM: The Penguins’ plane takes off for Newark, New Jersey
8:52 PM: The Penguins land in Newark
9:24 PM: The Penguins bus departs from Newark for Washington
11:45 PM: The Penguins hit a rest stop for food in Maryland, 81 miles from DC
2:15 AM: The Penguins arrive at the team hotel

This game was "Must See TV" and drew comparisons of Bird vs. Magic as to where the NHL is with their rivalries at this point in time.

There Will Be A Game 7

Those of us at OSG HQ maintain that there is nothing better- a Game 7 in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Multiply that by it being THE Stanley Cup FINALS, and you get an edge-of-the-seat experience- even if you're sitting on an airplane travelling from one end of the country to the other on Friday Night...

You know who you are...

Here's the highlights that got us here...Rob Scuderi gets special Star Mention with three saves in the last scrum of the night...
((HT: NHL/NBC))

Red Wings Take Game 5 in Shutout

((HT: NHL/NBC))

This was a statement game by the Detroit Red Wings. The statement was made by Pavel Datsyuk in his return, and his return made a big difference.

5-Nil your final, and they'll try again Tuesday night...

Red Wings Take Control, Lead Pens 2-0

((HT: CBC/NHL))

Stuart, Franzen, and Abdelkader scored in the 3-1 win by the Red Wings to take a 2-nothing stranglehold in the Stanley Cup Finals.

But here's the end of the game where people try to send messages to one another about who really is in charge around here...


If you're more in to the American version, here it is thanks to our friends at NBC

Sidney Crosby Being Sidney Crosby

((HT: NHL/NBC))

A little post-game "jousting" as Eddie Olczyk put it...

Sid The Kid was not happy with how the Red Wings Kirk Maltby chased after him all game long. When the game was over, Crosby decided a little love tap around the ankles would be a good reminder of his displeasure as they get ready for Game 2.

Crosby's head better be on a swivel...

Your Game One Highlights

((HT: NHL/NBC))

Doc Emrick, Eddie O, and Pierre McGuire have your rundown...
The key word from Game 1- Chris Osgood...

This Ain't "Blades of Glory..."

The Chicago Blackhawks Adam Burish is a very lucky guy today.
Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals had him clipped by teammate ben Eager's skate right along the neckline...
Some blood, but very lucky...
((HT: TSN/NHL on NBC))

Ducks Beat Wings in Three Overtimes

((HT: LA Times))

Anaheim earned a return trip to the Motor city.

Todd Marchant ((pictured, thanks Leon Halip/US Presswire)) scored 1:15 into a third overtime, lifting the Ducks to a 4-3 series-evening win over the Detroit Red Wings this afternoon.

Jonas Hiller made a career-high 59 saves and Ryan Getzlaf, Chris Pronger and Ryan Carter scored for the Ducks in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinal.

Anaheim will host Game 3 on Tuesday night and after another home game it will be back in Detroit for Game 5.

Chris Osgood stopped 42 shots, Brad Stuart, Mikael Samuelsson and Johan Franzen scored for the defending Stanley Cup champion Red Wings, who lost for the first time this postseason.

In the series opener, Detroit's Nicklas Lidstrom scored with 49 seconds left to avoid overtime.

Marchant had plenty of energy on the game-winning play.

He carried the puck up the middle of ice, made a move to slip into open space in the left circle and flicked a wrist shot past Osgood.

The Red Wings did not take advantage of a rare power play in overtime when Scott Niedermayer was called for tripping with 8:52 left in the first extra period.

They also didn't have anything to show for outshooting Anaheim 14-6 in the first overtime and 15-9 in the second.

Detroit and Anaheim skated in the first postseason game to go beyond one overtime and were in the longest playoff game since the Pittsburgh Penguins beat Detroit midway through a third overtime in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup finals last year.

The Ducks have won five straight playoff games against Detroit in overtime, winning twice after regulation two years ago in Western Conference finals en route to hoisting the Stanley Cup.

Here's your highlights and, yes, there's a lot of them...
((HT: NBC/NHL))