Ex-Captain Jacket Signs in Ottawa

Defenseman, Luke Richardson, signed a one-year contract today with the Ottawa Senators. In 1339 games he has 33 goals 159 assists and 2012 penalty minutes. He has played with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Edmonton Oilers, the Philadelphia Flyers, the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Bryan Murray!!

It looks we got another Murray under our sleeve. The Ottawa Sun reported today. I will post the article and then I will post a bio. If, this is true and Bryan Murray is an option...this would be the BEST thing for our club. Murray built most of the team that won the Stanley Cup this year. Anyway here is the Article

The Senators might not be the only option for coach Bryan Murray. Two league sources told the Sun yesterday they believe the Columbus Blue Jackets may seek permission to speak with Murray about the club's vacant GM's job. It's doubtful the Senators would give permission. President Roy Mlakar and GM John Muckler have made it clear they'd like to have Murray, 64, back as the team's coach next season. If Murray, a well-respected former GM of the Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings and Anaheim Ducks, is in the picture in Columbus, it could put pressure on Senators owner Eugene Melnyk to make a move quickly. Murray would be free to leave on July 1.
"If the Senators don't sign Bryan Murray, then he's going to have options if he doesn't mind leaving the city," said an NHL executive yesterday.
The Jackets were poised to hire Anaheim assistant GM Bob Murray last week, but sources say he pulled out of the running when he realized he wasn't going to have full say with coach Ken Hitchcock already under contract. ALL-DAY MEETING Columbus owner John H. McConnell met all day Friday with Edmonton Oilers assistant GM Scott Howson. The club also has permission to speak with Dallas assistant GM Les Jackson. Former Calgary coach Dave King, interim GM Jim Clark and top scout Don Boyd are also being considered. While the players cleaned out their lockers Saturday, Murray said he didn't have any designs to be a GM. "I'm not interested in both jobs," said Murray. "My discussions with John were very straightforward: He just asked, 'Do you want to come back as the coach?' And, I just said, 'I believe so, there's no reason why I don't want to be.' " It doesn't mean if Muckler retires, there couldn't be a plan in place to have Murray take over that role.

HNIC Playoff Tribute

A beautifully done playoff tribute by, Hockey Night in Canada....enjoy!

Anaheim Ducks are Stanley Cup Champs!!

Congrats Scottie...you battled all season long. You lead the team all season long. You got done what you came to California to do. I am proud of you. You earned the Conn Smythe. You ripped the Cup out of Bettman's hand *and I love you even more for that* Thank you for all that you do, not only for the Ducks, but for the sport. You are one of the classiest guys in hockey.

Highlight of the night aside from seeing Scott rip the Cup out of Bettmans hand was seeing you...hand off the Cup to your brother. I love you for that.

Teemu seeing you cry with that Cup...was the most beautiful thing I have seen. Thank you for being you.

Like I said before...I love both of these teams. While I am so happy that the Ducks won a part of my heart hurts for the Sens. They have come so far and battled so hard but I do feel that the better team won.

CONGRATS DUCK FANS!!!

The List.

1. With Murray out of the running for GM...I am frustrated. Not at the organization, not at the team (because I love them and am a loyal fan), but at Mike Priest. I understand that this is a long process and I was praising him for taking time and not telling us much. But, now that Murray has dropped out it makes me nervous. I want to know what is going on...I have a right to know. I had every intention of buying season tickets...I had even called and gotten ticket information. But, until they find a GM...I'm not going to. We need a good General Manager. It is not an option...it is a necessity. I have faith in Hitchcock...all the faith in the world actually. I just hope he doesn't let me down.

2. Congrats to the Anaheim Ducks for going up 3-1 against the Ottawa Senators. Game 4 seemed exciting although I just had to listen to most of it because I was at work and then when I got home the Directv thingy was acting funny. I am disappointed in Alfie because I think he got a little too frustrated at the end of the second shooting a puck at Scott Nieds. The Ducks got everything together and came out on top without one of their top defenseman...again.

3. I am really excited for Wednesday and I really do hope the Ducks close it out at home. It'd be a great thing for their fans, and it'd be a wonderful thing to rub in the face of Kings fans haha...just kidding. Although, I do plan on doing it to some of my friends who are Kings fans.

4. DELETED TO PROTECT THE INNOCENT

5. That's all I really have...if anything else strikes me...I'll add it on.

6. Bryan Berard was the FIRST Overall Pick of the First Round in the 1995 Draft...are you kidding me?! I guess I missed something with this guy. He made $2,500,000.00 this season. He played in 11 games for us this year. He missed the first 51 games with a back injury. Then he missed the last 16 games of the season because he hurt his back...again. He was a -4 and had 3 assists and 8 penalty minutes. WOW

The Scrum

Dear Mr. Pronger

Dear Mr. Pronger,

I have been a supporter of yours for some time now. I watched you last year as you completely dominated in the Stanley Cup Final. Sure, you hit Smyth with a puck in the face but you played hard and I was grateful for that. Then, when you came to the Ducks, one of the teams that I like to consider a bit mine, I said ok, I like this guy he's going to help them go all the way. I even supported when you hit Homer in the head, I was mad at you, but I said, hey it's tough out there to stay calm. When they suspended you for that one game, I said alright he'll learn his lesson and not do this again. Then it became time for the Stanley Cup Finals to start. I said great two teams that I actually enjoy watching and like are going to the Finals. I was happy for everyone involved. I watched Games 1 & 2 and was happy for the Ducks and YOU that you were half way there. But, during game 3 you let me down. It's not ok to elbow people in the head. You should be suspended for the rest of the playoffs and I hope you are. I'm done supporting you. I will boo you ever single time you touch the puck. And, IF you do get your name on the Stanley Cup...I hope they don't show you skating around with it. People like you don't deserve it.

Sincerely,

A disappointed ex fan of yours

AND, in case you missed the hit here is a clip of it.

Pronger Suspended Again?

Should Pronger be suspended AGAIN for this?


Thanks to Kukla's Korner for the picture.


UPDATE Pronger was suspended for one game...way to take care of the repeat offender NHL. Article and Interview with Carlyle

Bob Murray New GM?!

It sure is look that way. Reading this today then along with what Arace wrote...I think he is the best man for the job. I think he has done great things for the Ducks organization and apparently he had a hand in the Fedorov trade. So, we all know he can make trades...and also, who wouldn't want a team like Anaheim...I would love to see my Jackets play with that grit and with that much defense...not saying we need Pronger but ya know. Also, in case you know nothing about Murray...the Dispatch put a little thing up on him...it wasn't a lot...but it was a little bit...I will put it up here.

Murray file

• Age: 52

• Position: Vice president of hockey operations, Anaheim Ducks

• Notable: A defenseman, played 1,008 NHL games, all with the Chicago Blackhawks … After retiring in 1990, joined Chicago front office and was named general manager in 1997 … Blackhawks went 64-94-29-2 under him, and he was fired during the 1999-2000 season … Worked as a scout for Vancouver Canucks from 1999 to 2005 before joining Anaheim

Also, congrats to the Anahiem Ducks for winning tonight 1-0. The Ducks now lead the series 2-0 with the next 2 games being played in Ottawa. Sens were out played the entire night...being outshot almost 2-1.

Game 1 in the books!

Anaheim Ducks 3 Ottawa Senators 2
Anaheim leads series 1-0

Man, what a game!! It was well worth the wait. Yesterday I spent my day preparing myself...sorta...before the Reds game yesterday I watched my 2003 Stanley Cup DVD...then went to the baseball game where Ryan Freel was taken off in a stretcher. Not saying that him getting hurt got me pumped, but seeing the way the Reds played after that happened made me happy...they won that game for him.

Anyway, back to the hockey game. The Ducks checking line and two Norris trophy nominees were able to shut down Ottawa's top line...which is something no other team was able to do this year in the playoffs...the top line was limited to 5 shots on goal and oddly enough that line had 5 giveaways. I really and enjoy both of these teams and will be happy if either win...I don't want it to be a sweep...so I hope the Sens can get it together and get it going next game. Anyway, I better get ready for work!

Have a great day!

It's about that time!!

So, after waiting for what feels like an eternity it's time for the Stanley Cup Finals to begin. I am honestly so excited. I still think it is weird for this series to start on Memorial Day. I am heading to the Cincinnati Reds game today at 1:15 they are playing Pittsburgh Pirates who are on a three game winning streak and we're on a SIX game losing streak...yeah that's right SIX games. Woot. Ugh, I hate Pittsburgh sports teams. Anyway I suppose I will go but I am very excited for the game tonight!!!!!!!!!! And, for a great laugh head over to my buddies blog, A View from the Cheap Seats she has Jason Spezza and Teemu Selanne going head to head!



Go Reds!!

UPDATE So my Reds won...4-0 I believe...but my beloved Ryan Freel did go down he was taken off in an ambulance for tests...all the best to him and his family!



My beloved Freel

Stanley Cup Finals

Anaheim Ducks

Why I like 'em

*PPG (Penner, Perry, & Getzlaf) line. They have been practically unstoppable. They are so big and so powerful. Getzlaf has 13 points (five goals and eight assists), Penner has five points (two goals and three assists), and Perry has nine points (four goals and five assists.) The thing that I like about this line is that Getzlaf has 24 penalty minutes and Perry has 27 penalty minutes, but, Penner has no penalties. None...seems like he is doing pretty well. He may not be putting up the points but he for sure isn't hurting the Ducks.

*Their checking line...a lot of people say Jersey has the best checking line...but I don't know that they compare to Robbie Niedermayer, Sammy Pahlsson, and Travis Moen. They are amazing.

*Their goalies. I love them both. Giguere is amazing and has been on FIRE this playoff run. Bryz is so funny and I adore him.

*My hometown boys. Yeah that's right...these boys played right here in Cincinnati. I got to watch them develop as players and rock the AHL the year of the lockout.

*Their defense is amazing. Pronger, Niedermayer, Beauchemin, and O'Donnell I don't know that it gets much better than those top four. As much crap as I will probably get for saying this...I like Pronger...I do...he is tough, fun to watch, and as long as he is on the ice and not talking I like him. Scott Niedermayer is the best skater in the NHL he can do anything. And the other two well Beauchemin was mine (well on my team) once upon a time. And, O'Donnell well he is the one that falls out of the lime light. But, he truely does deserve to be up there.

Ottawa Senators

Why I like them!

*Ray Emery...it's pretty hard not to like Emery. How many guys can fight with a big smile on their face?! I know I wouldn't be smiling. He is a great goalie and has been outstanding in the playoffs.

*Alfie the Captain. I have never seen someone play like this in the playoffs. I would love to see him be the first European Captain to raise the Cup.

*Their top line Alfie, Spezza, and Heatley. Whether it's Spezza's passing ability, Heatley's goal scoring ability, and Alfie's crazy playoff run this is one fun line to watch and you can't help but like them.

I will be watching the Finals closely, cheering for both teams...GO DUCKS AND GO SENS!

Snoop you may have to choose...

Ray Emery

Did I hear that right?

I am listening at work and they said Don Cherry is there with a Sens hat on?! Are the radio announcers crazy or is this true!?!? Someone let me know!!!!!

8:29 I heart Alfie! GO SENS GO

Oh Hitch...

So for the first time since 1993 Hitch isn't in the playoffs. Poor guy. My buddy Aaron up at the Dispatch wrote a little something and it has Hitch's take on the Sens and Sabres game from Thursday. So check it out here.

Sabres it's no fun if you don't play...

Let me just start this out by saying I have yet to watch the game. By the time I got home there was about 10 minutes left in the third and what I saw was pretty dissappointing.

This is Mike Fisher I am sure most of the Sabres fans recognize him. He played great last night getting a short handed goal and helping the Ottawa Senators defeat the Buffalo Sabres 5-2. Also, a random note Mike Fisher has 9 playoff goals in his career 3 of which are shorthanded!! Are you kidding me?! My goodness...that's IMPRESSIVE.


How disappointing were they last night? The first 2 periods from what I heard were great and everyone expected a close game and probably an OT. But, they got neither of those. The Sens dominated the Sabres. Outskating them...outplaying them. Sens were clearly the better team. Briere was left without a shot on goal which is kind of embarassing considering it's the first time in 94 games that it has happened. I'm not going to lie I want the Sens to win...but if the Sabres aren't going to play...then what's the point of even watching.

I think this is what the Sabres are lacking. All year they have been favorites along with the Ducks to win the Stanley Cup. The Ducks have played hard. REALLY hard. The Sabres however have played some pretty crappy hockey if I do say so myself. They have yet to play a full 60 minute hockey game. Either way...GO SENS GO

Sens lead series 1-0

Conference Finals

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Anaheim Ducks vs Detroit Red Wings

Prediction Ducks in 7

Why Anaheim's strong defense...with guys like Pronger, Niedermayer, and Beauchemin on defense...no matter how good Lidstrom is...he and the I really should be at home watching Wheel of Fortune now Chelios don't light a candle to the Anaheim D. Goaltending...Giggy has the heart he has been great the entire time he has played. Hasek he is getting old and I Have a feeling that he will be getting a little warn down...not to mention Anaheim is all about screening and Hasek is a bit of a baby when it comes to that. Anaheim's ability to play tough. Anaheim has never backed out of a fight...they hit hard and that's what helps them out. They break down other teams by beating the hell out of them. Detroit doesn't have that. It's about toughness. Anaheim's ability to score goals. Anaheim has 2 very very very good lines. Whether they throw out Selanne, Kunitz, and McDonald, or the PPG (Penner, Perry, and Getzlaf) they will score. Anaheim's checking line scares the hell out of me. They are big and they are mean. Detroit don't get me wrong is a great team. I won't deny that...but when it comes to playing tough and playing playoff hockey...Anaheim has them beat. And, not to mention the fact that I think Hasek is simply playing for money...because for every round he wins he gets more cash.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Buffalo Sabres vs Ottawa Senators

Prediction Senators in 6

Why Out of all the teams in the playoffs the Senators are playing the best hockey. They played a very defensive team in Jersey and faced the amazing Martin Brodeur and beat them in FIVE games. They played a very offensively minded team in the Penguins and beat them in yup you guessed it five games. The Sabres have not been playing good hockey at all. They have had trouble elminating the Rangers (which I still think the Rangers should have won) and the Islanders. Offensively the Sabres have the Sens beat no doubt. Defensively Sens have Sabres beat. I guess it comes down to goaltending. Ray Emery vs Ryan Miller. Who is the better goaltender? Emery. Maybe you're wondering why...BUT...Ray Emery was the only goaltender to beat the Sabres FIVE times in the regular season. Emery is one of the calmest guys under pressure. Both of these goaltenders have something to prove. But, I think Emery is more about the heart and pride.

Either way...these Conference Finals are going to be AMAZING!!!!

Thats it!!!!!!!!!!

GO SENS GO! I seriously hope that they sweep the Sabres...I hate them so much haha. So I found this little number and it has made me a Sens fan at least for this series. Apparently it was created by one of the radio stations up there. LAME!

I didn't want to do this...BUT............

Since the Sharks have been eliminated by the Red Wings. And, the Sabres eleminated the Rangers. There is one team in each of the Conference Finals that I will be cheering for. Out of the East it's the Senators *I just realized I wrote Rangers earlier but no worries I caught it* Out of the West it's the Ducks. You can expect me to cover those teams over here. Basically because there is not a whole lot going on in Blue Jackets Nation. We're still waiting on a new GM and for the current President to figure out how this hockey operations thing works. (So not even kidding...still don't believe me article here. In other news Rick Nash, Fredrik Norrena, David Vyborny, and Jason Chimera are tearing up the World's over in Russia...Michael over at Army of Ohio covered that here. Also, the Cincinnati Cyclones lost a series (that they were up 3-1 in) last Thursday. But, that doesn't mean the baby Habs didn't have a remarkable year.



OH! And, in happy news Scottie Gomez said he is going to test the UFA market this year!!!!!!!! Check it out!

Well that's all for now. I am sure I will write more later.