Archives › James O’Brien
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The Phoenix Business Journal reports that the Phoenix Coyotes may, in fact, have a third suitor. Unfortunately, the possible owner/ownership group is anonymous at this time. The story notes that, in order for this potential owner to make the situation work, there would need to be some compromise. The NHL previously said it wanted to have…
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Let’s take a look at what bloggers and newspapers are writing about tonight’s Game 2 between the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks. Stay tuned for the Montreal-Philadelphia version later this afternoon/early evening. What San Jose bloggers and newspapers are saying Mr. Plank of Fear the Fin addresses some of the Sharks’ top line scoring issues.…
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Last year, the Pittsburgh Penguins were floundering to the point that it looked like the eventual Stanley Cup champions wouldn’t even make the playoffs. Finally, out of desperation, the team decided to fire coach Michel Therrien in favor of minor league success Dan Bylsma. The rest is now a part of burrito-powered history. Could it…
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A 6-0 win usually indicates a serious imbalance, but as the playoffs have shown us time and time again, things can change very quickly. Brian Gionta admitted that the Canadiens were far behind the Flyers in Game 1, but seemed upbeat that the team could rebound with some minor tweaks. Habs Eyes on the Prize…
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With the conference finals underway, how about we take a look at the league leaders in various traditional categories? Playoff Leaders in points 1. Jonathan Toews – 21 pts2. Sidney Crosby – 193 (tied). Michael Cammalleri and Johan Franzen – 184 (tied). Daniel Briere and Mike Richards – 17 Goals 1. Cammalleri – 12 goals2.…
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2010 IIHF World Championships: Team USA wins, can fight for medal in '11
May 18, 2010, 12:30 PM EDT
Comments OffThe 2010 IIHF World Championships have been a lowlight after a year of resounding success for Team USA Hockey, but at least next year they’ll be able to play for a medal. TJ Oshie helped the U.S. claim a 3-2 shootout victory over Italy by going three for five in the post-overtime competition. This win…
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If there is one city in sports that has a reputation for taking things a little too far, it’s Philadelphia. Sure, it’s awesome that the City of Brotherly Love inhabits some of the most knowledgeable fans on the planet, but sometimes that passion manifests itself in some destructive and disturbing ways. Take, for instance, the…
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Danny Briere may never live up to the big contract that the Philadelphia Flyers gave him. His defensive prowess leaves much to be desired. He’s not very large and he’s far from physical. Maybe those flaws and prejudices explain why people aren’t giving the crafty forward credit for what is plain to see. Instead of…
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Contrary to earlier reports, Jeff Carter is not expected to return for the Eastern Conference finals. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said it would be a “stretch” to see him back so soon. ESPN’s Scott Burnside has more. “He’s been off the ice a long time, he hasn’t really been able to do anything from a conditioning…
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For a scant two months two seasons ago, Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brian Campbell patrolled the San Jose Sharks blueline. His occasional spin-o-ramas and useful offensive skills were a breath of fresh air for what was then a mostly rugged D core at the Shark Tank. (Of course, the team one-upped Campbell by the next season…
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Things are looking up for the Philadelphia Flyers even on days when they’re not pulverizing their opponents 6-0. Earlier today, I shared the fact that Jeff Carter might return during the Eastern Conference finals. They could have more good news as Ian Laperriere also hopes be on his way back. Here’s the report from TSN.…
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The San Jose Sharks might have lost to the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 yesterday, but they showed plenty of energy and put 45 shots on Antti Niemi. It would be silly if the team was in a state of chaos and panic after losing a game they played so well. That being said, every game in…
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Earlier today it was announced that the Washington Capitals signed their star center Nicklas Backstrom to a 10-year, $67 million contract. Previously I had detailed the fact that the team will be going into the summer with a ton of flexibility but the signing of Backstrom could be a make-or-break moment for their long-term chances.…
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Jeff Carter could end up playing in the Eastern Conference finals, some say as early as Game 2. He skated for the first time since a Chris Pronger slapper broke Carter’s foot during Game 4 of Philadelphia’s series with the New Jersey Devils. NHL.com has the lowdown. Jeff Carter, who hasn’t skated since breaking his right…
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The Florida Panthers will name former Chicago Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon their new GM on Tuesday, according to Steve Gorten of the Sun-Sentinel. It is unclear if the Panthers will keep Richie Sexton around in some form. Tallon had a big hand in constructing the two-time Western Conference finalist Chicago Blackhawks roster. While it doesn’t take…
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During the Chicago Blackhawks-San Jose Sharks live chat, I brought up the possibility that the Philadelphia Flyers’ traditional physical (some might say dirty?) style could make life miserable for the Montreal Canadiens. That certainly seemed to be the case in Game 1 as the Flyers bludgeoned and bruised the Habs on their way to a…
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In this age of salary cap casualties, unrestricted free agency and trade deadline frenzies, it’s not surprising to see a player go from friend to foe or vice versa. Still, Glen Metropolit was in a pretty unique spot on November 27, 2009: he suited up with both the Montreal Canadiens and the Philadelphia Flyers during the…
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Yesterday, I wondered if the Washington Capitals would extend Nicklas Backstrom to a shorter, Crosby-like deal or lock him up with one of those “lifetime” contracts. It looks like the answer is the lifetime deal; the team announced today that they signed the talented Swede to a 10-year, $67 million contract. For you non-math majors out…
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Earlier this year, Dustin Byfuglien was one of the names people would bring up when discussing Chicago Blackhawks salary cap casualties. Sure, many said, he brings some unique skills to the table but he can also be very frustrating. It’s difficult to imagine Big Buff going anywhere now, though. He’s been an absolute beast in…
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Both Michael Leighton and Antti Niemi produced great performances last night. Leighton sported a 28-save shutout while Niemi somehow allowed only one goal on 45 shots. As great as Leighton was, Niemi stood out as the best goalie of the night. He made save after save as the San Jose Sharks created all kinds of…
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First, Jonathan Toews and his awesome sideburns: Duncan Keith discusses his big minutes and great playoff production.
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The pre-series talk focused on how much of a factor Jaroslav Halak would be. Yet in Game 1, Michael Leighton earned his first career playoff shutout while Halak didn’t even make it through the second period. To put it simply, the Flyers mercilessly pounded the Canadiens 6-0. Philadelphia Flyers 6, Montreal Canadiens 0 Flyers lead…
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If the Associated Press report is correct, the Washington Capitals plan on announcing the signing of stud Swede center Nicklas Backstrom to a new contract on Monday. Before he won the Conn Smythe trophy last season, Evgeni Malkin’s “under-the-radar” brilliance frustrated a lot of hockey people (and there still are some who remain frustrated that…
