Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Playoff Preview - Detroit vs. Colorado
Update 4/24 @ 2:35 pm: Apparently I'm not the only person fired up for this series. Wings-Avs: Blood feud is getting renewal, by John Niyo from the Detroit News. Can't wait to read the Kizla rebuttal.
One of the best rivalries of the "new" NHL.
Some history: During the 96 Cup Playoffs, Claude Lemeiux from Colorado clobbered Kris Draper into the boards. Similar to Steph Veilleux's hit on Stastny during game four of the last series except Draper's head was crushed.
I couldn't find a video with only the hit - it's in the middle of this sequence - although you can see the style of Lemieux.
Colorado ended up winning the game and went on to win the Cup. After the series, Dino Ciccerelli (no stranger to thuggery) said "I can't believe I shook the guy's friggin' hand".
The next year they played four times. The first three were without incident, but the fourth and final game had a certain chippiness to it. When Peter Forsberg and Igor Larionov began a fight, Darren McCarty took the opportunity to settle the Draper score with Lemieux.
Here's the whole brawl.
McCarty ended up scoring the game winner in OT. Quite the night.
The Red Wings came together as a team and ended up winning the Cup in 1997. The next season, in their first regular season game, McCarty and Lemieux dropped the gloves on the first puck drop and settled the previous season's score. Lemieux didn't turtle this time.
The feud didn't die after that. Patrick Roy fought Chris Osgood on the following April 1st and almost fought Dominic Hasek five years later in 2002.
Disclaimer - used a lot of Wikipedia for this research.
One of the best rivalries of the "new" NHL.
Some history: During the 96 Cup Playoffs, Claude Lemeiux from Colorado clobbered Kris Draper into the boards. Similar to Steph Veilleux's hit on Stastny during game four of the last series except Draper's head was crushed.
I couldn't find a video with only the hit - it's in the middle of this sequence - although you can see the style of Lemieux.
Colorado ended up winning the game and went on to win the Cup. After the series, Dino Ciccerelli (no stranger to thuggery) said "I can't believe I shook the guy's friggin' hand".
The next year they played four times. The first three were without incident, but the fourth and final game had a certain chippiness to it. When Peter Forsberg and Igor Larionov began a fight, Darren McCarty took the opportunity to settle the Draper score with Lemieux.
Here's the whole brawl.
McCarty ended up scoring the game winner in OT. Quite the night.
The Red Wings came together as a team and ended up winning the Cup in 1997. The next season, in their first regular season game, McCarty and Lemieux dropped the gloves on the first puck drop and settled the previous season's score. Lemieux didn't turtle this time.
The feud didn't die after that. Patrick Roy fought Chris Osgood on the following April 1st and almost fought Dominic Hasek five years later in 2002.
Disclaimer - used a lot of Wikipedia for this research.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
New Diablos Playoff Team Needed
Although this will always be a pro-Wild and pro-Devils blog they're both out of the playoffs. Therefore this blog needs a new team. Unfortunately, the Caps just lost in OT, otherwise, I think the Caps would have been a good fit. Why? Ovie is outstanding and just plain fun to watch, but I think the best reason to cheer for the Caps is the fact that they've got an owner who's a dead ringer for a cleaned up Ron Jeremy.
Ted Leonsis & The King of Porn
If you have a suggestion, try to use the comments to discuss. Apparently only Todd, Jarick, and some guy named Slag know how to use them (unless Slag is Todd's alias)
Ted Leonsis & The King of Porn
If you have a suggestion, try to use the comments to discuss. Apparently only Todd, Jarick, and some guy named Slag know how to use them (unless Slag is Todd's alias)
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Wild Out in Six; Devils in Five
Well, another utterly disappointing playoff performance has been submitted by the Wild and the Devils. Here is some video.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Game 6 Preview - Schultz In
Here's a little email conversation I had with Michael Russo from the StarTribune today...
6:40 am
Michael,
For the love of God and all that's holy...
Show Gabby the Ranger's video, or the Nashville OT winner, or Calgary's 3 goal game (with one waved off). If you're afraid of crossing the line, forward this email to Branko or Rammer or some one.
I'm desperate. Something's gotta be done.
Ted Reiff
11:40 am
Ted
I wrote about it today. Ironically, I have the room across the hall from gaborik...i jokingly told him he could borrow my laptop
Here's the write up. I hadn't read it until later today. I'm not sure if anyone remembers, but before the Rangers game, Gabby was watching Pavel Bure highlights and then before the Nashville game, Russo showed him his five goal performance against the Rangers.
Also, Russo's reporting (on the blog) that Nick Schultz is playing tonight.
6:40 am
Michael,
For the love of God and all that's holy...
Show Gabby the Ranger's video, or the Nashville OT winner, or Calgary's 3 goal game (with one waved off). If you're afraid of crossing the line, forward this email to Branko or Rammer or some one.
I'm desperate. Something's gotta be done.
Ted Reiff
11:40 am
Ted
I wrote about it today. Ironically, I have the room across the hall from gaborik...i jokingly told him he could borrow my laptop
Here's the write up. I hadn't read it until later today. I'm not sure if anyone remembers, but before the Rangers game, Gabby was watching Pavel Bure highlights and then before the Nashville game, Russo showed him his five goal performance against the Rangers.
Also, Russo's reporting (on the blog) that Nick Schultz is playing tonight.
Look for Nick “Willis Reed” Schultz to play tonight.
Are you playing? “I think so.”
Funny story, the second he said that, he was called into a one-minute meeting with GM Doug Risebrough, who clearly told him, “Don’t tell the media.”
Too late. It was on the blog by the time he got back. The rest of the interview Schultz, whose missed the series thus far following an appendectomy only 12 days ago, was throwing in caveats, like if I play, etc, but he’s in.
Friday, April 18, 2008
More Wild Bitching
Here are some Wild quotes to back up what I said in the previous post. If you're sitting within proximity of a little girl, let her read them to you so you can get the full context.
"We had energy, I would say, up until the point where they scored," center Eric Belanger said.
"We had played such a good game," center Pavol Demitra said. "We had so many shots. We just needed one goal, and it just wasn't there."
And this one sounds like its coming from a camp counselor. You know the hippy chick from Camp WannaHavaFunTime! who was always so cheerful that you wanted to strangle her by her hippy necklace?... Oh, that was just me? O.K.
I think I know the answer for the Wild.
They need Todd on the bench and a couple of videos of the Death Mutant Jesus Killers or whatever before the game. Sure Pierre-Marc Bouchard will be a quivering heap on the locker room floor, but if that's what it takes.
"We had energy, I would say, up until the point where they scored," center Eric Belanger said.
"We had played such a good game," center Pavol Demitra said. "We had so many shots. We just needed one goal, and it just wasn't there."
And this one sounds like its coming from a camp counselor. You know the hippy chick from Camp WannaHavaFunTime! who was always so cheerful that you wanted to strangle her by her hippy necklace?... Oh, that was just me? O.K.
"We've been coming from behind this whole series," Brian Rolston said. "It would be nice to get up, it would be nice to play with a lead. Our effort was awesome tonight. We feel very proud of our effort tonight. Nobody will be hanging their head here. We'll be ready in Colorado."
That quote screams Tuesday morning tee time.I think I know the answer for the Wild.
They need Todd on the bench and a couple of videos of the Death Mutant Jesus Killers or whatever before the game. Sure Pierre-Marc Bouchard will be a quivering heap on the locker room floor, but if that's what it takes.
Wild 2 - Avalanche 3 (No OT)
The Wild outshot the Avalanche last night, but not enough of the pucks got behind Jose Theodore. 40-17 were the shots. Theodore was very good, but...
The Wild controlled every aspect for the game for the first two periods, but when it came down to it, they never really got a good shot off. Theodore was seeing the puck extremely well and the Wild never really got a shot off that had a chance of getting by him. Backstrom was good too - the three goals that were scored on him were on outstanding shots. The only way either team was going to score on either goalie was through the backdoor. So let's look at the first three goals.
(0 - 1) On the power play, Brunette parks his ass in front of Backstrom and when Foppa throws one out front, Bruno backhands the deflection past Backstrom who's ass over teakettle in the blue paint. Pretty much a carbon copy of his other two goals (both of which started the scoring in the previous two games).
(1 - 1) Wild power play and the boys are working it around the perimeter. Burns gets the puck on the left dot after a rebound (not many of those last night) off of a Rolston shot. He thought shot, but heard Butch who's on the opposite dot. The Av's are all collapsing on Burnsy's shot and leave a lane to Butch. Cross-ice pass, backdoor shot, goal.
(1 - 2) Colorado power play on a horrible penalty taken by Hill. Liles on the blueline cross-ice's a pass to Wolski on the top of the right dot who one-time's it for the goal. Backstrom almost got all the way across the crease, but Wolski put it in a tight hole. Can't really call it an aimed shot, but the fact that it was another backdoor shot gave it as good a chance to go in as anything else thrown towards the net.
Each one of these goals were not examples of the shooter beating the goalie, but the shooter getting open with some open net in front of him. Nothing surprising, but ask yourself..."How many more times did the Wild try to go backdoor?" There wasn't a lot of passes across the slot - many of them blocked by the Av's. Gaborik got a rebound that he juggled before backhanding it into Theodore's leg pads and Burns pinched to get a cross-ice pass, but Theodore was able to get in front and block it. I'm not sure whether the Av's Defense and Theodore were able to cut down on the opportunities or the Wild weren't either aggressive or creative enough around the net. Either way, Theodore saw 38 shots last night, missed one, and I'm not sure he cared enough on Rolston's goal.
My theory is this. All throughout this franchise's history, they've played the underdog. They've been the darlings of St. Paul with their moxie and grit and whatever. They came and replaced the beloved North Stars. Their hometown hero scored the first goal ever at the X. They made an improbable Cup run in '03. They went toe to toe with the eventual Cup Champs last year and took a chunk out of them in Game 4 before Brad May "disgracefully" punched out our "non-fighting" Kim Johnnson. The entire franchise history is filled with David vs. Goliath stories.
The only problem is Goliath always wins the Cup. Every team that wins the Stanley Cup plays the bully. Even the lower seeded teams (Edmonton in '06, Anaheim in '03) that make it to the Finals take control of the games with stifling defense and opportunistic offense. They win games by moxie, grit, and a spit in your face / piss on your grave attitude that is lacking in our boys.
It shows in how they play. Last year during game four against Anaheim, when the Wild absolutely needed a win, Mark Parrish played as if he had a nest of fire ants in his breezers. He didn't score any goals in that game, but was all over the frickin' place creating chaos in his wake. The third and fourth goals by Gaborik and Rolston were goals that were the result of chaos. They weren't pretty, but they were the result of relentless pressure and advantageous positioning. When was the last time this team was relentless in anything?
A good period of playoff hockey cannot be: "We got a lot of good looks and good shots". It has to be: "We put the puck in the net". This team needs to forget the underdog role and play the favorite, because they are the favorite. They need to be the bully, not the pipsqueek. This ain't the movies - they need to be the Biff and not the Marty McFly; the Galactic Empire and not the Rebel Alliance; the Jason Vorhees and not the six 105 pound teenage actresses with 42 inch chests. They need to be Exxon and not Joe Six Pack. They are the better team and everyone knows it. But the better team doesn't move on - the team that scores more goals does.
The Wild controlled every aspect for the game for the first two periods, but when it came down to it, they never really got a good shot off. Theodore was seeing the puck extremely well and the Wild never really got a shot off that had a chance of getting by him. Backstrom was good too - the three goals that were scored on him were on outstanding shots. The only way either team was going to score on either goalie was through the backdoor. So let's look at the first three goals.
(0 - 1) On the power play, Brunette parks his ass in front of Backstrom and when Foppa throws one out front, Bruno backhands the deflection past Backstrom who's ass over teakettle in the blue paint. Pretty much a carbon copy of his other two goals (both of which started the scoring in the previous two games).
(1 - 1) Wild power play and the boys are working it around the perimeter. Burns gets the puck on the left dot after a rebound (not many of those last night) off of a Rolston shot. He thought shot, but heard Butch who's on the opposite dot. The Av's are all collapsing on Burnsy's shot and leave a lane to Butch. Cross-ice pass, backdoor shot, goal.
(1 - 2) Colorado power play on a horrible penalty taken by Hill. Liles on the blueline cross-ice's a pass to Wolski on the top of the right dot who one-time's it for the goal. Backstrom almost got all the way across the crease, but Wolski put it in a tight hole. Can't really call it an aimed shot, but the fact that it was another backdoor shot gave it as good a chance to go in as anything else thrown towards the net.
Each one of these goals were not examples of the shooter beating the goalie, but the shooter getting open with some open net in front of him. Nothing surprising, but ask yourself..."How many more times did the Wild try to go backdoor?" There wasn't a lot of passes across the slot - many of them blocked by the Av's. Gaborik got a rebound that he juggled before backhanding it into Theodore's leg pads and Burns pinched to get a cross-ice pass, but Theodore was able to get in front and block it. I'm not sure whether the Av's Defense and Theodore were able to cut down on the opportunities or the Wild weren't either aggressive or creative enough around the net. Either way, Theodore saw 38 shots last night, missed one, and I'm not sure he cared enough on Rolston's goal.
My theory is this. All throughout this franchise's history, they've played the underdog. They've been the darlings of St. Paul with their moxie and grit and whatever. They came and replaced the beloved North Stars. Their hometown hero scored the first goal ever at the X. They made an improbable Cup run in '03. They went toe to toe with the eventual Cup Champs last year and took a chunk out of them in Game 4 before Brad May "disgracefully" punched out our "non-fighting" Kim Johnnson. The entire franchise history is filled with David vs. Goliath stories.
The only problem is Goliath always wins the Cup. Every team that wins the Stanley Cup plays the bully. Even the lower seeded teams (Edmonton in '06, Anaheim in '03) that make it to the Finals take control of the games with stifling defense and opportunistic offense. They win games by moxie, grit, and a spit in your face / piss on your grave attitude that is lacking in our boys.
It shows in how they play. Last year during game four against Anaheim, when the Wild absolutely needed a win, Mark Parrish played as if he had a nest of fire ants in his breezers. He didn't score any goals in that game, but was all over the frickin' place creating chaos in his wake. The third and fourth goals by Gaborik and Rolston were goals that were the result of chaos. They weren't pretty, but they were the result of relentless pressure and advantageous positioning. When was the last time this team was relentless in anything?
A good period of playoff hockey cannot be: "We got a lot of good looks and good shots". It has to be: "We put the puck in the net". This team needs to forget the underdog role and play the favorite, because they are the favorite. They need to be the bully, not the pipsqueek. This ain't the movies - they need to be the Biff and not the Marty McFly; the Galactic Empire and not the Rebel Alliance; the Jason Vorhees and not the six 105 pound teenage actresses with 42 inch chests. They need to be Exxon and not Joe Six Pack. They are the better team and everyone knows it. But the better team doesn't move on - the team that scores more goals does.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Devils 3 - Rangers 4
I believe it was the Red Hot Chili Peppers who so adequately said:
Zach Parise let the puck slip off his stick to Fedor Tyutin who's slapper was tipped in by Chris Drury for goal #3. Then with 3 minutes to play, Patty Elias was trying to clear and ran into Colin White (who also ran into Marty during game one leading to a goal). The puck slid over to Straka who passed it to Staal who slapped in the winner.
Frick.
And then traitor Gomer knocks the faceoff into the Devils empty net for a pretty cool goal. I miss him so bad it hurts.
Back to the Prudential Center for Game 5 on Friday for a 7:30pm game.
"GivitawayGivitawayGivitaway-blah"
Zach Parise let the puck slip off his stick to Fedor Tyutin who's slapper was tipped in by Chris Drury for goal #3. Then with 3 minutes to play, Patty Elias was trying to clear and ran into Colin White (who also ran into Marty during game one leading to a goal). The puck slid over to Straka who passed it to Staal who slapped in the winner.
Frick.
And then traitor Gomer knocks the faceoff into the Devils empty net for a pretty cool goal. I miss him so bad it hurts.
Back to the Prudential Center for Game 5 on Friday for a 7:30pm game.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Wild 1 - Avalanche 5
Holy Crap.
For the life of me, I don't know how to approach this one. First off, I slept through almost the entire game. My internet connection wasn't getting good coverage of the game and so I dozed off soon after the puck dropped - of course an aftereffect of watching all of Game 3. I woke up briefly after the first, checked the score on my phone, and when I saw 0-3 Av's, and knowing that the Wild are not capable as a Calgary-like comeback, I passed out for good.
After digesting highlights and various write-ups (Startribune, Russo's Blog, DenverPost (hacks), CBC, ESPN, TSN, Hockeyfights.com), I figured I would chime in with my own commentary with assistance from the late, great Herb Brooks.
Those guys looked like a bunch of monkeys humping a football.
Game 5 tomorrow night at the X. Let's hope that between now and 8:00pm tomorrow they each have a solid bowel movement and man up.
By the way, there are way too many videos on YouTube of monkey's humping all sorts of things, but I couldn't find one of a monkey and a football - not that I would have posted it, because this blog has certain lines it will not cross. So instead of a monkey, here's a turtle.
For the life of me, I don't know how to approach this one. First off, I slept through almost the entire game. My internet connection wasn't getting good coverage of the game and so I dozed off soon after the puck dropped - of course an aftereffect of watching all of Game 3. I woke up briefly after the first, checked the score on my phone, and when I saw 0-3 Av's, and knowing that the Wild are not capable as a Calgary-like comeback, I passed out for good.
After digesting highlights and various write-ups (Startribune, Russo's Blog, DenverPost (hacks), CBC, ESPN, TSN, Hockeyfights.com), I figured I would chime in with my own commentary with assistance from the late, great Herb Brooks.
Those guys looked like a bunch of monkeys humping a football.
Game 5 tomorrow night at the X. Let's hope that between now and 8:00pm tomorrow they each have a solid bowel movement and man up.
By the way, there are way too many videos on YouTube of monkey's humping all sorts of things, but I couldn't find one of a monkey and a football - not that I would have posted it, because this blog has certain lines it will not cross. So instead of a monkey, here's a turtle.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Wild 3 - Avalanche 2 (OT)
Dear Butch,
Hey Man, Nice Shot.
Sincerely,
The Diablos
For some good and bad commentary of last night's game, read...
Tom Powers - Pioneer Press "A Little Less Respect..."
Mark Kizla - Denver Post "Ugly Betty Hockey..."
Kizla's email is mkizla@denverpost.com. Feel free to fill his inbox with spam.
Hey Man, Nice Shot.
Sincerely,
The Diablos
For some good and bad commentary of last night's game, read...
Tom Powers - Pioneer Press "A Little Less Respect..."
Mark Kizla - Denver Post "Ugly Betty Hockey..."
Kizla's email is mkizla@denverpost.com. Feel free to fill his inbox with spam.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Why There's Hope
Here's why there is hope for the Devils. From the Newark Star-Ledger:
Why did the Rangers dominate the Devils during the regular season and in the first two games of this series?
According to Sutter, there wasn't enough hate from the Devils.
"I never really saw the rivalry with these two teams until Game 2 (of the playoffs)," Sutter said. "It's been a concern of mine. Let's just put it this way: Rivalries are supposed to be heated battles. They're like wars. We hadn't had a game like that until Game 2.
"Maybe some people disagree. That's the reason why we only won one game this year. It's not that they're so much better than we are."
Sutter said the change occurred because the Devils shifted into desperation mode.
"We always disliked the Rangers but we decided we were giving them a lot of respect. Too much. We have to start hating them more," Devils winger Zach Parise said.
"We know it's a rivalry. We weren't going out and dropping gloves every shift, by any means. But I think it really took a turn in the last game. It went to a new level, I thought. There was a sense of disliking your opponent."
A cross-check to the teeth from Rangers defenseman Christian Backman certainly helped raise the hate level for Parise.
"It makes you a little more ticked off. I wasn't happy about it," Parise said. "Whether or not you lose teeth, it was a cross-check in the face. It's going to be your nose or your teeth. Unfortunately it was my teeth."
Backman's Stick to Parise's Mouth.
Last night, Mike Rupp showed some of that hate.
Why did the Rangers dominate the Devils during the regular season and in the first two games of this series?
According to Sutter, there wasn't enough hate from the Devils.
"I never really saw the rivalry with these two teams until Game 2 (of the playoffs)," Sutter said. "It's been a concern of mine. Let's just put it this way: Rivalries are supposed to be heated battles. They're like wars. We hadn't had a game like that until Game 2.
"Maybe some people disagree. That's the reason why we only won one game this year. It's not that they're so much better than we are."
Sutter said the change occurred because the Devils shifted into desperation mode.
"We always disliked the Rangers but we decided we were giving them a lot of respect. Too much. We have to start hating them more," Devils winger Zach Parise said.
"We know it's a rivalry. We weren't going out and dropping gloves every shift, by any means. But I think it really took a turn in the last game. It went to a new level, I thought. There was a sense of disliking your opponent."
A cross-check to the teeth from Rangers defenseman Christian Backman certainly helped raise the hate level for Parise.
"It makes you a little more ticked off. I wasn't happy about it," Parise said. "Whether or not you lose teeth, it was a cross-check in the face. It's going to be your nose or your teeth. Unfortunately it was my teeth."
Backman's Stick to Parise's Mouth.
Last night, Mike Rupp showed some of that hate.
Devils 4 - Rangers 3 (OT)
Dear John Madden,
Thanks. You have shown us that sometimes you have to throw the puck on the goal & hope for the best.
Sincerely,
The Diablos
Dear Devils Power Play,
Nine minutes twenty six of time, eight opportunities, three shots, two goals. Minor improvement, but still... it's improvement.
Sincerely,
The Diablos
Dear Avery,
What's your fuckin' deal? Do you have any shame?
Screw off,
The Diablos
Thanks. You have shown us that sometimes you have to throw the puck on the goal & hope for the best.
Sincerely,
The Diablos
Dear Devils Power Play,
Nine minutes twenty six of time, eight opportunities, three shots, two goals. Minor improvement, but still... it's improvement.
Sincerely,
The Diablos
Dear Avery,
What's your fuckin' deal? Do you have any shame?
Screw off,
The Diablos
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Wild 3 - Avalanche 2 (OT)
Dear Mikko Koivu,
You are a Warrior.
Sincerely,
The Diablos
Dear Martin Skoula,
You're alright. We like you.
Sincerely
The Diablos
Dear Keith Carney,
You Magnificent Bastard.
Sincerely,
The Diablo Geezers (anyone older than 35)
You are a Warrior.
Sincerely,
The Diablos
Dear Martin Skoula,
You're alright. We like you.
Sincerely
The Diablos
Dear Keith Carney,
You Magnificent Bastard.
Sincerely,
The Diablo Geezers (anyone older than 35)
Devils 1 - Rangers 2
Dear Sean Avery,
You're a bitch.
To the Devils: honestly, how the hell do you think you're going to score when you have five power plays and only four shots?
Sincerely,
The Diablos
You're a bitch.
To the Devils: honestly, how the hell do you think you're going to score when you have five power plays and only four shots?
Sincerely,
The Diablos
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Diablos Announce Free Agent Signing
ST. PAUL, MN - The Diablos Hockey Club, fresh off of qualifying for the USA Hockey Nationals in Blaine MN, has made a few roster additions to cover for roster vacancies over the weekend of May 16-18. In one of the more surprising moves of the season, the Diablos signed Otto the Hockey Playing Bear from the Finnish B League to a 21 day contract.
"We saw his stats and his tryout video and were impressed," said Pat Quinn, Diablos European Scouting Consultant from his winter home in the south of France. "I had heard of his talents, but after seeing his video, I knew he would be a good fit with the skaters on the Diablos".
Here is the video Quinn is referring to.
"I'm glad we were able to sign him first, because the Toronto Maple Leafs were about to present a serious offer", Quinn quipped.
Otto will be flown in via FedEx on April 26th and will reside at the Como Zoo when not training with the Diablos.
"We saw his stats and his tryout video and were impressed," said Pat Quinn, Diablos European Scouting Consultant from his winter home in the south of France. "I had heard of his talents, but after seeing his video, I knew he would be a good fit with the skaters on the Diablos".
Here is the video Quinn is referring to.
"I'm glad we were able to sign him first, because the Toronto Maple Leafs were about to present a serious offer", Quinn quipped.
Otto will be flown in via FedEx on April 26th and will reside at the Como Zoo when not training with the Diablos.
Devils 1 - Rangers 4
Dear Marty,
Next time, please cover it up.
Sincerely,
The Diablos Plumbers
(and Justin Alderink)
Next time, please cover it up.
Sincerely,
The Diablos Plumbers
(and Justin Alderink)
Wild 2 - Avalanche 3 (OT)
Dear Slovakian Mafia,
It's called backchecking, boys. Sometimes you have to force yourselves to do some things that don't come naturally to you. That's why the Cup changes everything (or least it does for some guys).
Sincerely,
The Diablos Plumbers
(and Stephane Veilleux)
It's called backchecking, boys. Sometimes you have to force yourselves to do some things that don't come naturally to you. That's why the Cup changes everything (or least it does for some guys).
Sincerely,
The Diablos Plumbers
(and Stephane Veilleux)
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Stanley Cup Playoffs: The Mullet Speaks
Here's hoping for a Wild / Devils Stanley Cup Finals. Barry, what do you think?
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
AHA D1 Championship: Diablos 0 - Nemesis 2
BLOOMINGTON, MN - Suddenly, the Diablo's unthinkable run to the D1 championship ran into a wall Sunday afternoon as the Diablos fell to the Nemesis 0-2. Under the leadership of Captain Todd Ewing and alternates, John Blasingame and John Driscoll, the Diablos Hockey Club posted an outstanding 18 win, 5 loss, 1 tie record, but the Nemesis threw the clamps on and kept the Diablos off the scoreboard for their last AHA game. Considering every obstacle that the Diablos overcame, the fact that they made the championship run was amazing. Killing penalties, and scoring a power play goal in the second period was the Nemesis secret to upending the 'Blos.
In the end, the Diablos only put 16 shots on the Nemesis goaltender, not enough to sustain a comeback. The Diablos put up a good fight, however were unable to put enough good plays together to defeat the Nemesis.
Official AHA Scoresheet - TR
In the end, the Diablos only put 16 shots on the Nemesis goaltender, not enough to sustain a comeback. The Diablos put up a good fight, however were unable to put enough good plays together to defeat the Nemesis.
Official AHA Scoresheet - TR
AHA Playoffs Recap - D1 Pool 2
Diablos 3 - Renegades 2
ST. LOUIS PARK, MN - The Diablos Hockey Club gutted out a 3-2 win against their first D1 East opponent of the season, the Renegades. The Diablos had faced the Renegades earlier in the season with a pre-season scrimmage and knew that there were some good skaters and tough hockey players wearing Renegade sweaters. With some solid defense and some opportunistic scoring plays, the Diablos were able to wear down the 'gades.
Ted Reiff provided the scoring with his first Diablo hat trick. John Blasingame set up Reiff on two of the tallys and Dean Groth helped on one. The game winner was an unassisted shorty at the end of the second period. The Diablos threw a vice around the neutral zone and their own defensive end during the third period and finished the game by stifling a 6 on 5 when the Renegades pulled their goalie. Goaltender Justin Alderink made 30 saves in the win.
Official AHA Scoresheet - TR
Diablos 7 - Fighting Piranha's 2
ST. LOUIS PARK, MN - The Diablo Hockey Club cinched a number one seed by completing their D1 Pool 2 schedule with a 7-2 win against the D1 East Piranha's. The Diablos fell behind early 2-1, but it was quickly remedied with some quick scoring in the second and relentless pressure during the third.
Dave Christenson, Jarick Losey, Dean Groth, Peter Sinesio, John Driscoll(2), and Ted Reiff had goals while Larry Eckman, Monique Lindquist, Andy Suerth(2), Reiff, John Blasingame, Christenson, and Groth recorded helpers.
Official AHA Scoresheet - TR
Diablos 7 - Renegades 0
BLOOMINGTON, MN - The Diablo Hockey Club has traveled a long way as a hockey team this season and now, not only do they have the hardware show for it, but they will need to travel a little further as they have secured a bid for the National Championships by winning the D1 Pool 2 Championship. In a rematch against the Renegades, the Diablo's struck early and often and defeated them 7-0.
Ted Reiff, Steve Nelson, Rocco Bonello, Andy Suerth, Jarick Losey, Dave Christenson, and Ryan Carroll each tallied a goal apiece and Bonello, John Driscoll(2), Nelson, Dean Groth, Todd Ewing(2) and Monique Lindquist each assisted. Justin Alderink was money with the shutout tossing away 18 shots.
Official AHA Scoresheet - TR
The Blaine, MN Chamber of Commerce's worst nightmares have come true. The Diablos have received a bid to play in the National Championships at the Schwan's Super Rink. Arrangements are being made at the Blaine Super 8 Motel to fill the outdoor pool with cow's blood. Let the mayhem continue!
ST. LOUIS PARK, MN - The Diablos Hockey Club gutted out a 3-2 win against their first D1 East opponent of the season, the Renegades. The Diablos had faced the Renegades earlier in the season with a pre-season scrimmage and knew that there were some good skaters and tough hockey players wearing Renegade sweaters. With some solid defense and some opportunistic scoring plays, the Diablos were able to wear down the 'gades.
Ted Reiff provided the scoring with his first Diablo hat trick. John Blasingame set up Reiff on two of the tallys and Dean Groth helped on one. The game winner was an unassisted shorty at the end of the second period. The Diablos threw a vice around the neutral zone and their own defensive end during the third period and finished the game by stifling a 6 on 5 when the Renegades pulled their goalie. Goaltender Justin Alderink made 30 saves in the win.
Official AHA Scoresheet - TR
Diablos 7 - Fighting Piranha's 2
ST. LOUIS PARK, MN - The Diablo Hockey Club cinched a number one seed by completing their D1 Pool 2 schedule with a 7-2 win against the D1 East Piranha's. The Diablos fell behind early 2-1, but it was quickly remedied with some quick scoring in the second and relentless pressure during the third.
Dave Christenson, Jarick Losey, Dean Groth, Peter Sinesio, John Driscoll(2), and Ted Reiff had goals while Larry Eckman, Monique Lindquist, Andy Suerth(2), Reiff, John Blasingame, Christenson, and Groth recorded helpers.
Official AHA Scoresheet - TR
Diablos 7 - Renegades 0
BLOOMINGTON, MN - The Diablo Hockey Club has traveled a long way as a hockey team this season and now, not only do they have the hardware show for it, but they will need to travel a little further as they have secured a bid for the National Championships by winning the D1 Pool 2 Championship. In a rematch against the Renegades, the Diablo's struck early and often and defeated them 7-0.
Ted Reiff, Steve Nelson, Rocco Bonello, Andy Suerth, Jarick Losey, Dave Christenson, and Ryan Carroll each tallied a goal apiece and Bonello, John Driscoll(2), Nelson, Dean Groth, Todd Ewing(2) and Monique Lindquist each assisted. Justin Alderink was money with the shutout tossing away 18 shots.
Official AHA Scoresheet - TR
The Blaine, MN Chamber of Commerce's worst nightmares have come true. The Diablos have received a bid to play in the National Championships at the Schwan's Super Rink. Arrangements are being made at the Blaine Super 8 Motel to fill the outdoor pool with cow's blood. Let the mayhem continue!
Monday, April 7, 2008
One Set of Playoffs Done...
And another one begins.
AHA Playoff recaps are coming - your contributions are always welcome. In the meantime, LET'S GO WILD!!!
If you are interested in knowing the true recap message of the Diablo's loss to the Nemesis, combine the first letters of each sentence in each paragraph and add the last word in italics. Let me know if you figured out the code.
AHA Playoff recaps are coming - your contributions are always welcome. In the meantime, LET'S GO WILD!!!
If you are interested in knowing the true recap message of the Diablo's loss to the Nemesis, combine the first letters of each sentence in each paragraph and add the last word in italics. Let me know if you figured out the code.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Diablos 3 - Renegades 2
Updated 4/7/08 - Different Video.
Sleepy...
Eyes... are... murble... closing... skargle...
Recap... later...
Official AHA Scoresheet - TR
Sleepy...
Eyes... are... murble... closing... skargle...
Recap... later...
Official AHA Scoresheet - TR
Best Playoff Beard
Vote for one on your right.
Bret Hedican
Mike Commodore
Scott Niedermayer
Danny Briere
Peter Sinesio
Hockey Night in St. Paul
Gabby scored #41 & #42 (and was robbed of #43), Jacques Lemaire won #500, and Jack Hillen played #1.
Marian Gaborik was an absolute animal last night scoring three, having one taken away, and had an assist to a deft looking Todd Fedoruk and the Minnesota Wild, for the first time in franchise history, has won the Northwest Conference. Congratulations to the hometown club!
Gotta love Fridge doing the toothless Hambone.
In addition to what was already a special night, head coach Jacques Lemaire won his 500th game, being the eleventh coach in the NHL to do so. Congratulations to the hometown coach!
"Urry up I gotta go pee."
Finally, Minnetonka native, Holy Angels alum and state championship winner, Jack Hillen laced them up for his first NHL game last night.
Marian Gaborik was an absolute animal last night scoring three, having one taken away, and had an assist to a deft looking Todd Fedoruk and the Minnesota Wild, for the first time in franchise history, has won the Northwest Conference. Congratulations to the hometown club!
Gotta love Fridge doing the toothless Hambone.
In addition to what was already a special night, head coach Jacques Lemaire won his 500th game, being the eleventh coach in the NHL to do so. Congratulations to the hometown coach!
"Urry up I gotta go pee."
Finally, Minnetonka native, Holy Angels alum and state championship winner, Jack Hillen laced them up for his first NHL game last night.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Diablo's - Ak Bars Metaphorical Highlight Video
Whether you're a Diablo or an Ak Bar, Ice Gator or Nemesis, F. Piranha or Renegade, watching this video will give you the same feelings you experienced last night. A little excitement and some marvel yet at the same time, disgust and a good amount of outrage.
Warning... just like a tie, you will feel the need to cleanse yourself after watching.
Warning... just like a tie, you will feel the need to cleanse yourself after watching.
Diablo's 2 - Ak Bars 2
PLYMOUTH MN, The immortal Alabama football coach, Bear Bryant, once described playing to a tie like "kissing your sister". If that's true, there was a lot of sisterly love in the opening round of the D1 playoffs last night as three of the four matchups ended in ties. The Diablo's and Ak Bars did their part in skating to a hard fought 2 - 2 tie.
The Ak Bars came out and out-skated the Diablo's in the first period, but it was a Dean Groth wrist shot low and away that put the Diablos on the board first. Ted Reiff got credit for the assist. However, as quickly as the Diablos got on the board, the Ak Bars scored the equalizer and the go ahead goal on successive shifts. Both D. Bannister and K. Nelson scored from their blueline, :23 apart to take a lead that would hold through two periods.
The Diablo's seemed to be slow of foot in the first period, but picked up the pace in the second and the third. Jarrick Losey notched the pace up even further when he collected a puck in his own end and skated it up. With grace, poise, and the speed of a thoroughbred, he weaved his way past the Ak Bar blue line. He shoulder-shimmied the Ak Bar defender which provided just enough space to unleash his cobra-like wrist shot through the closing space between the defenders and over the glove of Ak Bar goaltender T. Cain. If a prettier goal was scored last night, this reporter did not see it. With that goal, Losey is one third of the way to riding the bull.
The score remained tied throughout the third. The Diablo's found their legs and buzzed the Ak Bar goal, but couldn't convert any chances. The Diablo's were able to shoot 22 pucks on Cain, while goaltender Justin Alderink saw 25 and discarded 23.
The Diablo's will continue their improbable playoff run with a Friday night game against the D1 East Renegades on the west sheet at St. Louis Park. The Puck Drops at 6:00. Official AHA Scoresheet - TR
The Ak Bars came out and out-skated the Diablo's in the first period, but it was a Dean Groth wrist shot low and away that put the Diablos on the board first. Ted Reiff got credit for the assist. However, as quickly as the Diablos got on the board, the Ak Bars scored the equalizer and the go ahead goal on successive shifts. Both D. Bannister and K. Nelson scored from their blueline, :23 apart to take a lead that would hold through two periods.
The Diablo's seemed to be slow of foot in the first period, but picked up the pace in the second and the third. Jarrick Losey notched the pace up even further when he collected a puck in his own end and skated it up. With grace, poise, and the speed of a thoroughbred, he weaved his way past the Ak Bar blue line. He shoulder-shimmied the Ak Bar defender which provided just enough space to unleash his cobra-like wrist shot through the closing space between the defenders and over the glove of Ak Bar goaltender T. Cain. If a prettier goal was scored last night, this reporter did not see it. With that goal, Losey is one third of the way to riding the bull.
The score remained tied throughout the third. The Diablo's found their legs and buzzed the Ak Bar goal, but couldn't convert any chances. The Diablo's were able to shoot 22 pucks on Cain, while goaltender Justin Alderink saw 25 and discarded 23.
The Diablo's will continue their improbable playoff run with a Friday night game against the D1 East Renegades on the west sheet at St. Louis Park. The Puck Drops at 6:00. Official AHA Scoresheet - TR
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
Playoff Hockey: PMB Style
See if you can identify these two hockey players. They are both Canadian born players. Both stood 5' 10". And they were two of the most feared brawlers in the era in which they played...
If you guessed Tie Domi & Pierre-Marc Bouchard, you know your NHL enforcers. They are two of the smallest, but most feared pugilists in the NHL. Here is a video tribute to each hockey player's fighting prowess.
Oh, and the guy starting the chainsaw on McIver, Burns? He's getting to be pretty good too.
Baseball Opener
It's baseball season everybody. Here's perhaps the funniest thing baseball has contributed to society. And it has Tom Glavine in it who played junior hockey and was drafted right behind Patrick "Father of the Goon" Roy and ahead of Brett Hull & Luc Robitaille.
Tom Glavine Hockey Piece on ESPN - NHL.
Tom Glavine Hockey Piece on ESPN - NHL.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
This Week in the NHL
Remember the post "Luongo on the Wrong Meds"? The date on that post was February, 15. That was also the last time the Wild scored on a shootout. They went 0-3 last night against the Devils, 0-3 against S.J. on Sunday and 0-3 against the Thrash a week ago. Last night when they absolutely needed a score, Jacques puts Brian "Watch my Slapper" Rolston out there who missed the net. Rolston and Demitra were absolutely invisible last night. Fortunately for both of them, Doug Risebrough will most likely reward that play with a three year, nine & a half million dollar contract at the end of the season. So who will the 7 seed be playing this year?
Marty Brodeur was amazing last night. Kind of reminded me of Justin. On the second shootout attempt, Brent Burns tried to wrist one past him. Brodeur gloved it but the puck slipped out and up, so Marty caught it on the paddle. He seemed bored last night during the third. There were a few saves where he had already moved before the shot - he was that dialed in. I thought I saw him save a puck with the edge of his skate - the front edge.
Another Wyld Chyld that was invisible last night was Chris Simon - not necessarily by his doings. Michael Russo from the Strib wrote "Jacques LeMaire asked for a much more physical Simon." So after pounding Sheldon Brookbank and answering the bell against David Clarkson in the first period, Simon got a total of four more shifts including one in the third period in which one second elapsed. One second? Here's the fight.
Apparently Clarkson got five for fighting, if you want to call it that.
Steve Kelly got hurt last night - Benny Pouliot is next! I say "Bring Up Cal Clutterbuck". Great rhyming opportunities.
Elsewhere, Chris Pronger took a page from Simon's book and stomped on Ryan Kesler.
Of course, Colin Campbell took a page from his own book and didn't suspend Pronger. Perhaps Campbell was afraid that Brian Burke would remove him from his MySpace friends list. Remember, Simon got 30 games. Fortunately, the NHL may consider further review. God, I hate Pronger.
Sean Avery, another douchebag, launched some water bottles in the penalty box against Boston on Sunday.
Panger's right, another team will come up and throw 3.5 million at this ass-clown next season. Avery's response to whether the Rangers will suspend him? "They should give me community service". Uhh, Sean... you don't get to choose. Thank God for Lindsay Ruff. The next night Avery made his return to HSBC Arena and Ruff he told his tough guys to "let their emotions get the better of them".
Watch the very beginning of the clip - that's #16 getting double teamed into the boards. Of course, Colton Orr comes to Mrs. Avery's rescue and fights Andrew Peters.
Finally, the third douchebag is Jim Souhan. He shows how little he knows about hockey in this piece in Wednesday's Strib. A piece of advice, Souhan? You need to watch more than four hockey games a season in order to know enough to write about it.
Marty Brodeur was amazing last night. Kind of reminded me of Justin. On the second shootout attempt, Brent Burns tried to wrist one past him. Brodeur gloved it but the puck slipped out and up, so Marty caught it on the paddle. He seemed bored last night during the third. There were a few saves where he had already moved before the shot - he was that dialed in. I thought I saw him save a puck with the edge of his skate - the front edge.
Another Wyld Chyld that was invisible last night was Chris Simon - not necessarily by his doings. Michael Russo from the Strib wrote "Jacques LeMaire asked for a much more physical Simon." So after pounding Sheldon Brookbank and answering the bell against David Clarkson in the first period, Simon got a total of four more shifts including one in the third period in which one second elapsed. One second? Here's the fight.
Apparently Clarkson got five for fighting, if you want to call it that.
Steve Kelly got hurt last night - Benny Pouliot is next! I say "Bring Up Cal Clutterbuck". Great rhyming opportunities.
Elsewhere, Chris Pronger took a page from Simon's book and stomped on Ryan Kesler.
Of course, Colin Campbell took a page from his own book and didn't suspend Pronger. Perhaps Campbell was afraid that Brian Burke would remove him from his MySpace friends list. Remember, Simon got 30 games. Fortunately, the NHL may consider further review. God, I hate Pronger.
Sean Avery, another douchebag, launched some water bottles in the penalty box against Boston on Sunday.
Panger's right, another team will come up and throw 3.5 million at this ass-clown next season. Avery's response to whether the Rangers will suspend him? "They should give me community service". Uhh, Sean... you don't get to choose. Thank God for Lindsay Ruff. The next night Avery made his return to HSBC Arena and Ruff he told his tough guys to "let their emotions get the better of them".
Watch the very beginning of the clip - that's #16 getting double teamed into the boards. Of course, Colton Orr comes to Mrs. Avery's rescue and fights Andrew Peters.
Finally, the third douchebag is Jim Souhan. He shows how little he knows about hockey in this piece in Wednesday's Strib. A piece of advice, Souhan? You need to watch more than four hockey games a season in order to know enough to write about it.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Monday Update (Just Following Orders)
At the risk of having my nephew not being able to ever view this blog again, here is... Cannibal Corpse! (Sammy - go downstairs and watch Scooby Doo)
Hold on Sammy. Mommy might let you watch this video (Sam's 4) if you turn the volume down.
Oh - final comment. Could someone explain the tie-breaking procedures to the Nemesis? They must think that third period goals count for something.
Hold on Sammy. Mommy might let you watch this video (Sam's 4) if you turn the volume down.
Oh - final comment. Could someone explain the tie-breaking procedures to the Nemesis? They must think that third period goals count for something.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Diablos 4 - Ak Bars 2
HOCKEY CITY U.S.A. - All season long, the AHA Diablos played the underdog role. They were in their first year of existence as a club with many players who were in their first or second season of adult hockey. Therefore it was a new experience to be the favorite for last Saturday night's matchup against the established and successful Ak Bars Hockey Club. The Diablos entered the game being ahead in the points standings with two games to go. A win would give the Diablos a D1 West title and a #1 seed in the upcoming playoffs.
If there was a change in circumstances, the Diablos didn't seem to be aware of it. They put together one of their best efforts of the season and defeated the Ak Bars 4 - 2. The win clinches the AHA D1 West division title by way of tiebreakers, but they can win outright next week against the Ice Gators.
The Diablos and Ak Bars were able to get the early game at Pleasant Arena which meant no fishhouse dressing rooms. The chillers were turned down to 18 degrees to firm up the sheet and after an extended warmup, the puck dropped and we were skating.
The first period scoring started at 11:07 with C - Peter Sinesio received a pass from LW - John Blasingame and threw the puck towards the net through traffic. The shot went threw the defender's leg and past the glove of goaltender Trey Cain for the first tally of the night. RW - Dean Groth was able to pick up a loose puck and was able to streak down past the Ak Bar blueliners. At 8:53 he buried the puck past Cain and the Diablos had a 2 - 0 lead.
The Ak Bars answered back early in second period with a shorthanded goal at 11:55. The rest of the second period and the beginning of the third were tense, but LW - John Driscoll slammed home a goal at 11:33 of the third to increase the lead to 3 - 1. Driscoll continued his scoring tear with his third goal in three games and D - Mike Monroe added the helper. On the ensuing faceoff, Monroe was able to push the puck up the boards to Groth who danced his way into the Ak Bar zone and slide a backhander past Cain for Groth's second tally and Monroe's second apple.
The 4 - 1 lead would hold up until the Ak Bars pulled Cain for the extra attacker. They were able to put one past Diablo's netminder Justin Alderink at 15:54, but by that time, the game was over. The Diablos controlled the puck for the rest of the game and never allowed another Ak Bar opportunity.
The Diablos kept the Ak Bars to 18 shots which is a season low for the Diablos. Justin Alderink, used to thirty to forty shots a night, managed to have fun all the while. The Diablos were able to buzz the Ak Bar net with 36 shots of their own.
Afterwards, several Diablos were able to comment on the victory. "Everyone should be proud of the way we played as a team," said Steve Nelson. "This team has come a long way since our first JMS tourney." Jarrick Losey added, "It's been a blast". Alternate Captain John Blasingame hit the nail on the head when he said, "We played a great team game ... with everyone contributing."
The Diablos have the Ice Gators next Saturday at 7:00 at the Richfield Arena. Official AHA Scoresheet - TR
Since it was a 5:30pm start, the sun was still out. Therefore, it was the afternoon.
If there was a change in circumstances, the Diablos didn't seem to be aware of it. They put together one of their best efforts of the season and defeated the Ak Bars 4 - 2. The win clinches the AHA D1 West division title by way of tiebreakers, but they can win outright next week against the Ice Gators.
The Diablos and Ak Bars were able to get the early game at Pleasant Arena which meant no fishhouse dressing rooms. The chillers were turned down to 18 degrees to firm up the sheet and after an extended warmup, the puck dropped and we were skating.
The first period scoring started at 11:07 with C - Peter Sinesio received a pass from LW - John Blasingame and threw the puck towards the net through traffic. The shot went threw the defender's leg and past the glove of goaltender Trey Cain for the first tally of the night. RW - Dean Groth was able to pick up a loose puck and was able to streak down past the Ak Bar blueliners. At 8:53 he buried the puck past Cain and the Diablos had a 2 - 0 lead.
The Ak Bars answered back early in second period with a shorthanded goal at 11:55. The rest of the second period and the beginning of the third were tense, but LW - John Driscoll slammed home a goal at 11:33 of the third to increase the lead to 3 - 1. Driscoll continued his scoring tear with his third goal in three games and D - Mike Monroe added the helper. On the ensuing faceoff, Monroe was able to push the puck up the boards to Groth who danced his way into the Ak Bar zone and slide a backhander past Cain for Groth's second tally and Monroe's second apple.
The 4 - 1 lead would hold up until the Ak Bars pulled Cain for the extra attacker. They were able to put one past Diablo's netminder Justin Alderink at 15:54, but by that time, the game was over. The Diablos controlled the puck for the rest of the game and never allowed another Ak Bar opportunity.
The Diablos kept the Ak Bars to 18 shots which is a season low for the Diablos. Justin Alderink, used to thirty to forty shots a night, managed to have fun all the while. The Diablos were able to buzz the Ak Bar net with 36 shots of their own.
Afterwards, several Diablos were able to comment on the victory. "Everyone should be proud of the way we played as a team," said Steve Nelson. "This team has come a long way since our first JMS tourney." Jarrick Losey added, "It's been a blast". Alternate Captain John Blasingame hit the nail on the head when he said, "We played a great team game ... with everyone contributing."
The Diablos have the Ice Gators next Saturday at 7:00 at the Richfield Arena. Official AHA Scoresheet - TR
Since it was a 5:30pm start, the sun was still out. Therefore, it was the afternoon.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Diablos vs. Ak Bars
Sharpen up your toe picks & practice your jumps - its back to the Pleasant Arena.
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Who doesn't love Dio? I mean, if they ever retired from making music, I would just curl up in a ball and die!
View Larger Map
Who doesn't love Dio? I mean, if they ever retired from making music, I would just curl up in a ball and die!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Jealousy
I didn't want to have to go down this road. Especially with my eyes still red over the press conference. But your envy, resentment, and spite force me to put this matter to rest.
So, Mr. Sharper & Mr. Birk, what do you think about Brett?
Oh, yeah. There was that one time when that guy who represents your franchise beat the Packers...
I'm done now. Back to hockey. (and btw... I'm having fun with everyone) Oh, and I'm working on that infectious Brett Favre Boogie.
So, Mr. Sharper & Mr. Birk, what do you think about Brett?
Oh, yeah. There was that one time when that guy who represents your franchise beat the Packers...
I'm done now. Back to hockey. (and btw... I'm having fun with everyone) Oh, and I'm working on that infectious Brett Favre Boogie.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Brett, Think of the Children!
These are the people that you're breaking the hearts of, Brett. Please come back!!
The Greatest Ever
I'll be at the game on Saturday, but right now I'm in bed, in the fetal position, wishing I could turn the clock back to 1996. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew this day would come, but there was no way I could be prepared for it.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
Diablos 7 - Buccaneers 1
Diablos Breath Easy Before Final Push
GOLDEN VALLEY, MN - The Diablo Hockey Club was able to score early and often on a short Buccaneer bench and was able to defeat the Buccaneers 7 to 1 to stay atop the AHA D1 West standings.
A sheet of ice so clean that a double helping scrambled eggs could have been served upon it greeted both teams last Saturday night in an early, 7:45 pm matchup. The Diablos entered the game with a noticeable spring in their gait after a huge 1-0 victory over the Nemesis. The Buccaneers, on the other hand, were in the D1 West doghouse, winners of only one this whole season. Despite this, the Buc's had played the Diablos tough in their previous two games this season and the Diablos were not going to take the Buc's lightly.
The Diablos were able to get on the board during the first shift when C - Ted Reiff's lack of judgment paid off. Rather than heading to the bench with his mates at the end of a shift, he tracked down a loose puck and pushed deep into the Buccaneer zone. Reiff was able to sneak around the defense and deposited the biscuit in the back of the net for an unrecognized 1-0 lead.
The next goal, which was also the game winner could be perhaps the most bizarre goal of the season. Goaltender Justin Alderink had corralled a loose puck and fired it up the ice to RW - Dave Christianson to start a breakaway. The puck got away from Christianson and ended up at the other end of the ice, on Buc's goaltender Pettengill's stick. He looked to forward the puck up to his team, but his pass hit an unidentified Buc defender in the breezers and it caromed into his net for an own goal. Alderink, being the last Diablo to touch the puck got credit for the goal and had a nice little "cele" to match it.
The Buc's were soon able to find the scoreboard when K. Krmpotich's hard work paid off when her wrister got past Alderink on a breakaway. (Perhaps now she can buy a vowel.) The Diablos were able to finish off the scoring for the period, however, as Reiff and LW - Jerrick Losey were able to finish with helpers from LW - John Driscoll and D - Andy Suerth, respectively.
A 4 - 1 lead was expanded during the second period as a shameful Driscoll left the penalty box and was able to fetch a pass from D - Mike Monroe for a sweet breakaway deke that gave him a yawning net for the finish. Perhaps it was Driscoll's shakes, or his own cheering section, but an inspired D - Greg Smith had the wind blowing beneath his wings as he picked up the puck on his blue line, weaved his way through traffic, found space for a wicked wrister and potted his first goal of the season. RW - Rocco Bonello finished off the scoring with great positioning and a solid finisher off of a pass through traffic from Reiff.
The Diablos posted their highest shot count of the season with 47 shots. On the other end, they were at their stingiest by allowing only 21 shots on goaltender Alderink. Excellent pressure on the puck by the Diablo wingers kept the puck in the Buccaneer end most of the evening.
Another Saturday game awaits next week, this time against the second place Ak Bars. The Diablos have split with the Ak Bars this season and the rubber match will have large implications for the final D1 West standings. Official AHA Scoresheet.
Here are the highlights.
- TR
GOLDEN VALLEY, MN - The Diablo Hockey Club was able to score early and often on a short Buccaneer bench and was able to defeat the Buccaneers 7 to 1 to stay atop the AHA D1 West standings.
A sheet of ice so clean that a double helping scrambled eggs could have been served upon it greeted both teams last Saturday night in an early, 7:45 pm matchup. The Diablos entered the game with a noticeable spring in their gait after a huge 1-0 victory over the Nemesis. The Buccaneers, on the other hand, were in the D1 West doghouse, winners of only one this whole season. Despite this, the Buc's had played the Diablos tough in their previous two games this season and the Diablos were not going to take the Buc's lightly.
The Diablos were able to get on the board during the first shift when C - Ted Reiff's lack of judgment paid off. Rather than heading to the bench with his mates at the end of a shift, he tracked down a loose puck and pushed deep into the Buccaneer zone. Reiff was able to sneak around the defense and deposited the biscuit in the back of the net for an unrecognized 1-0 lead.
The next goal, which was also the game winner could be perhaps the most bizarre goal of the season. Goaltender Justin Alderink had corralled a loose puck and fired it up the ice to RW - Dave Christianson to start a breakaway. The puck got away from Christianson and ended up at the other end of the ice, on Buc's goaltender Pettengill's stick. He looked to forward the puck up to his team, but his pass hit an unidentified Buc defender in the breezers and it caromed into his net for an own goal. Alderink, being the last Diablo to touch the puck got credit for the goal and had a nice little "cele" to match it.
The Buc's were soon able to find the scoreboard when K. Krmpotich's hard work paid off when her wrister got past Alderink on a breakaway. (Perhaps now she can buy a vowel.) The Diablos were able to finish off the scoring for the period, however, as Reiff and LW - Jerrick Losey were able to finish with helpers from LW - John Driscoll and D - Andy Suerth, respectively.
A 4 - 1 lead was expanded during the second period as a shameful Driscoll left the penalty box and was able to fetch a pass from D - Mike Monroe for a sweet breakaway deke that gave him a yawning net for the finish. Perhaps it was Driscoll's shakes, or his own cheering section, but an inspired D - Greg Smith had the wind blowing beneath his wings as he picked up the puck on his blue line, weaved his way through traffic, found space for a wicked wrister and potted his first goal of the season. RW - Rocco Bonello finished off the scoring with great positioning and a solid finisher off of a pass through traffic from Reiff.
The Diablos posted their highest shot count of the season with 47 shots. On the other end, they were at their stingiest by allowing only 21 shots on goaltender Alderink. Excellent pressure on the puck by the Diablo wingers kept the puck in the Buccaneer end most of the evening.
Another Saturday game awaits next week, this time against the second place Ak Bars. The Diablos have split with the Ak Bars this season and the rubber match will have large implications for the final D1 West standings. Official AHA Scoresheet.
Here are the highlights.
- TR
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
2008 NHL Trade Recap
Good bye, Matt Cooke; Hello, Chris Simon
Before anyone passes judgement on Chris Simon, please read this piece from Sports Illustrated.
Before anyone passes judgement on Chris Simon, please read this piece from Sports Illustrated.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Diablos 1 - Nemesis 0: A Big Night For Diablos Everywhere
Diablos around the world had reason to celebrate last night. First off, your hometown club has finally scratched and clawed their way to the lone spot on top of the D1 West standings. They earned two points by defeating the Nemesis 1-0 in a hard fought, chippy, and (needless to say) defensive battle.
Johnny "J.D." Driscoll had the lone, shorthanded tally with a wicked wrister over the blocker of the Nemesis 'tender. The Diablo plumbers kept the explosive Nemesis offense from getting any good looks and goaltender Justin Alderink turned away all 30 shots to earn the shutout.
The Diablos are now the owners of the best record in the D1 West division and will be playing the Buccaneers next Saturday at Breck Arena.
Ecstatic as you might be over the hockey game, that was not the only Diablo triumph last night. The Diablos favorite stripper turned screenwriter, Diablo Cody, won an Oscar (slightly less prestigious than the AHA D1 Title) for Best Original Screenplay for her movie Juno. How much do we love Diablo Cody? Watch.
Unfortunately for the rest of us, this screenwriting thing is working out because we'd really like to see her back on the pole.
Johnny "J.D." Driscoll had the lone, shorthanded tally with a wicked wrister over the blocker of the Nemesis 'tender. The Diablo plumbers kept the explosive Nemesis offense from getting any good looks and goaltender Justin Alderink turned away all 30 shots to earn the shutout.
The Diablos are now the owners of the best record in the D1 West division and will be playing the Buccaneers next Saturday at Breck Arena.
Ecstatic as you might be over the hockey game, that was not the only Diablo triumph last night. The Diablos favorite stripper turned screenwriter, Diablo Cody, won an Oscar (slightly less prestigious than the AHA D1 Title) for Best Original Screenplay for her movie Juno. How much do we love Diablo Cody? Watch.
Unfortunately for the rest of us, this screenwriting thing is working out because we'd really like to see her back on the pole.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Diablos vs. Nemesis
Not just for some of the marbles...
We don't have the building or the banners, but we all have a little pitchfork wielding diablo running around inside us.
View Larger Map
We don't have the building or the banners, but we all have a little pitchfork wielding diablo running around inside us.
View Larger Map
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Photos?
Does anyone have a digital camera? Have a friend or loved one (does anyone love a Diablo anyway?) come to the game and take some action photos and send them to me. I'll post them as soon as I get them.
We're missing too many Kodak moments.
We're missing too many Kodak moments.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Steve Nelson: Media Whore
Watch around 3:00. Norm Sucks.
http://www.kare11.com/video/player.aspx?aid=63476&bw=
The Wisconsin Badgers will administer a four point beatdown on the Gophers this weekend, Nelson. And Keith Ballard is a pussy.
http://www.kare11.com/video/player.aspx?aid=63476&bw=
The Wisconsin Badgers will administer a four point beatdown on the Gophers this weekend, Nelson. And Keith Ballard is a pussy.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Diablos vs. Muskies Recap
Diablos Gaff The Muskies
Sunday, February 17, 2008.
Bloomington, MN. In an unprecedented display of offensive firepower the AHA D1 Diablos Hockey Club dominated a depleted Muskies team, skating without two of its top three scorers, at the Bloomington Ice Gardens Sunday night. Ironically, the Diablos did it minus their own top three scorers of C Ted Reiff, LW John Driscoll, and C Steve Nelson. The Diablos set club records for goals scored in a game with 8, goals scored in a period with 5 in the 3rd, shots on goal with 43, shots allowed with 9, points in a game for an individual player with RW Dean Groth's 4 (2g, 2a) and fewest penalty minutes in a game for the team with 0.
The game followed a team meeting brought on by a lackluster performance by the Diablos in an exhibition game against the TCGHA BG Moose White team the day before at Mariucci Arena. In that game the Diablos failed to control play and ended up out shot and out skated, lucky to escape with a 1-1 tie. In the team meeting Captain Todd Ewing exhorted the Diablos to move their feet, get open, pass the puck and shoot, shoot, shoot. Apparently the Diablos followed their captain's words with deeds.
On the opening shift of the game the Diablos took the puck deep into the Muskies zone and carried play hard to the net forcing Muskies sub-goalie Dave Homel (Renegades) to cover up. Homel had no idea where the puck was and only a quick whistle saved an early goal as the puck's momentum carried it slowly into the net behind Homel. It was a sign of things to come. At 14:23 of the 1st period D Andy Claypool single handedly carried the puck up the left side into the Muskies zone and fired a low shot on net beating Homel five-hole for Claypool's first AHA regular season goal. At 9:56 of the
period the Diablos added another tally when C Peter Sinesio fired home a pass from RW Dean Groth.
The second period opened with a sign the Muskies weren't out of it yet and proof that goaltending can be an adventure. Diablos goalie Justin Alderink skated out high in the zone to play a puck that had split the Diablos defenders. Alderink, normally the best, most reliable passer on the team, tried to move the puck up the right side, but instead fanned on the attempt. Muskies forward B. Hirano, that team's second leading scorer, was in on Alderink on the fore check and picked up the loose puck. The helpless goalie could only look to the heavens as Hirano buried the puck in the open net unassisted at 16:07. It was Alderink's second misadventure with the puck of the night, though the first he had to pay for, and his teammates demanded that he stay in the net for the remainder of the game. The Diablos got the goal back at 11:53 when Dean Groth scored his first of the game with an assist from Peter Sinesio.
The Diablos had dominated play for two periods, but the score was only 3-1 to begin the 3rd. Then the bottom fell out for the Muskies. The Diablos used their longer bench and more rested skaters to put the game away beginning with D Ryan Carroll's power play blast for an unassisted goal at 13:07. At 9:35 C Jarick Losey scored on a hardworking cycle in the neutral zone of LW Rocco Bonello to RW Mat Lindquist back to Bonello and over to Losey. Bonello and Lindquist picked up assists on the play. At 6:44 Dean Groth scored his second of the game on a feed from D Pieter VanZyl at the point. RW Monique Lindquist picked up an assist on the play along with VanZyl. At :34 C Todd Ewing and the top line were finally rewarded after skating hard all game when LW John Blasingame went into the corner to gather a loose puck. Blasingame fired hard to Ewing standing in front of the net and Ewing buried the puck high over Muskies goalie Homel. Scoring closed out much as it had begun when Peter Sinesio picked up is second of the game with an assist from Dean Groth.
In all, eleven of the fourteen Diablos skaters picked up at least a point in a game that was a total team effort. While RW Dave Christenson and D Greg Smith and Mike Monroe didn't factor on the official score sheet, they all factored unofficially with their strong play. The Diablos stayed out of the penalty box, skated hard, passed and shot the puck. Shots on goal for the Diablos 13-13-17 for 43; for the Muskies 1-5-3 for 9.
Stars of the game:
#1 RW Dean Groth
#2 C Peter Sinesio
#3 D Andy Claypool
Up Next:
The Diablos face their co-first-place team the Nemesis on Sunday 02-24-08 at 9:00p at Richfield East. - JB
Sunday, February 17, 2008.
Bloomington, MN. In an unprecedented display of offensive firepower the AHA D1 Diablos Hockey Club dominated a depleted Muskies team, skating without two of its top three scorers, at the Bloomington Ice Gardens Sunday night. Ironically, the Diablos did it minus their own top three scorers of C Ted Reiff, LW John Driscoll, and C Steve Nelson. The Diablos set club records for goals scored in a game with 8, goals scored in a period with 5 in the 3rd, shots on goal with 43, shots allowed with 9, points in a game for an individual player with RW Dean Groth's 4 (2g, 2a) and fewest penalty minutes in a game for the team with 0.
The game followed a team meeting brought on by a lackluster performance by the Diablos in an exhibition game against the TCGHA BG Moose White team the day before at Mariucci Arena. In that game the Diablos failed to control play and ended up out shot and out skated, lucky to escape with a 1-1 tie. In the team meeting Captain Todd Ewing exhorted the Diablos to move their feet, get open, pass the puck and shoot, shoot, shoot. Apparently the Diablos followed their captain's words with deeds.
On the opening shift of the game the Diablos took the puck deep into the Muskies zone and carried play hard to the net forcing Muskies sub-goalie Dave Homel (Renegades) to cover up. Homel had no idea where the puck was and only a quick whistle saved an early goal as the puck's momentum carried it slowly into the net behind Homel. It was a sign of things to come. At 14:23 of the 1st period D Andy Claypool single handedly carried the puck up the left side into the Muskies zone and fired a low shot on net beating Homel five-hole for Claypool's first AHA regular season goal. At 9:56 of the
period the Diablos added another tally when C Peter Sinesio fired home a pass from RW Dean Groth.
The second period opened with a sign the Muskies weren't out of it yet and proof that goaltending can be an adventure. Diablos goalie Justin Alderink skated out high in the zone to play a puck that had split the Diablos defenders. Alderink, normally the best, most reliable passer on the team, tried to move the puck up the right side, but instead fanned on the attempt. Muskies forward B. Hirano, that team's second leading scorer, was in on Alderink on the fore check and picked up the loose puck. The helpless goalie could only look to the heavens as Hirano buried the puck in the open net unassisted at 16:07. It was Alderink's second misadventure with the puck of the night, though the first he had to pay for, and his teammates demanded that he stay in the net for the remainder of the game. The Diablos got the goal back at 11:53 when Dean Groth scored his first of the game with an assist from Peter Sinesio.
The Diablos had dominated play for two periods, but the score was only 3-1 to begin the 3rd. Then the bottom fell out for the Muskies. The Diablos used their longer bench and more rested skaters to put the game away beginning with D Ryan Carroll's power play blast for an unassisted goal at 13:07. At 9:35 C Jarick Losey scored on a hardworking cycle in the neutral zone of LW Rocco Bonello to RW Mat Lindquist back to Bonello and over to Losey. Bonello and Lindquist picked up assists on the play. At 6:44 Dean Groth scored his second of the game on a feed from D Pieter VanZyl at the point. RW Monique Lindquist picked up an assist on the play along with VanZyl. At :34 C Todd Ewing and the top line were finally rewarded after skating hard all game when LW John Blasingame went into the corner to gather a loose puck. Blasingame fired hard to Ewing standing in front of the net and Ewing buried the puck high over Muskies goalie Homel. Scoring closed out much as it had begun when Peter Sinesio picked up is second of the game with an assist from Dean Groth.
In all, eleven of the fourteen Diablos skaters picked up at least a point in a game that was a total team effort. While RW Dave Christenson and D Greg Smith and Mike Monroe didn't factor on the official score sheet, they all factored unofficially with their strong play. The Diablos stayed out of the penalty box, skated hard, passed and shot the puck. Shots on goal for the Diablos 13-13-17 for 43; for the Muskies 1-5-3 for 9.
Stars of the game:
#1 RW Dean Groth
#2 C Peter Sinesio
#3 D Andy Claypool
Up Next:
The Diablos face their co-first-place team the Nemesis on Sunday 02-24-08 at 9:00p at Richfield East. - JB
Diablos 8 - Muskies 1
An unheard of output by the team which is usually stingy in this category. Goals? Nope - Shots. 43 to 9???!!! Insane in the Membrane!
Official AHA Scoresheet - TR
Official AHA Scoresheet - TR
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Luongo on the Wrong Meds
Here is an extended version of last night's highlights from NHL.com. Sorry if you don't like "Dumb or Dumber", there's always the mute.
Of course, there was a fight - but Rolston? Actually there were two... Rolston vs. Burrows & Rolston vs. the Linesman.
Burrows got an extra two for the instigator, but the ref's forgot the rule which says that if you've got a visor on, it's an extra two for instigating. Oh and let's not forget the bogus roughing call on Burns at the end of period 2 that led to Kessler's tying goal. Man - what's the deal with the refs this year?
Of course, there was a fight - but Rolston? Actually there were two... Rolston vs. Burrows & Rolston vs. the Linesman.
Burrows got an extra two for the instigator, but the ref's forgot the rule which says that if you've got a visor on, it's an extra two for instigating. Oh and let's not forget the bogus roughing call on Burns at the end of period 2 that led to Kessler's tying goal. Man - what's the deal with the refs this year?
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Plays That Didn't Show Up On SportsCentre - India
Unfortunately, they don't have TSN in New Delhi - so I missed these plays from last week (not including Richard Zednik's new scar, which will never make this blog unless it finds its way onto a Deicide video).
First one - nice toe drag by Burnsy.
Next - the spin-a-rama by Ryan Shannon of the Diablo-hated Nuks vs. Chicago.
Wait a second... was that Khabibulin? Are you thinking what I'm thinking...?
Both against the Blackhawks, & the Bulin Wall, & Denis Savard - the inventor of the spin-o-rama. And finally, in the same Blackhawks / Nuks game, how 'bout a little scrap. Of course, Adam Burish is a badass - he's a Wisconsin Badger. Hey Nelson, when's the last time Keith Ballard won a fight?
Oh, and I just got done watching Burns and Koivu make Luongo look like he took the wrong medication tonight. Outstanding 2 points. Hopefully highlights later.
First one - nice toe drag by Burnsy.
Next - the spin-a-rama by Ryan Shannon of the Diablo-hated Nuks vs. Chicago.
Wait a second... was that Khabibulin? Are you thinking what I'm thinking...?
Both against the Blackhawks, & the Bulin Wall, & Denis Savard - the inventor of the spin-o-rama. And finally, in the same Blackhawks / Nuks game, how 'bout a little scrap. Of course, Adam Burish is a badass - he's a Wisconsin Badger. Hey Nelson, when's the last time Keith Ballard won a fight?
Oh, and I just got done watching Burns and Koivu make Luongo look like he took the wrong medication tonight. Outstanding 2 points. Hopefully highlights later.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Diablos 5 - Buzz 3
The Diablos were able to come back and score four unanswered goals to defeat the Buzz 5 - 3 last night.
This isn't a metaphorical highlight video - its just that every time I think of the Buzz, I think of this skit.
By the way, when I was in midair last night after getting the full body trip, I was thinking of 1:45 of the video. I didn't land it like Belushi, but he wasn't wearing skates.
If someone wants to write a full recap, get it to me by 9:00 pm tonight.
This isn't a metaphorical highlight video - its just that every time I think of the Buzz, I think of this skit.
By the way, when I was in midair last night after getting the full body trip, I was thinking of 1:45 of the video. I didn't land it like Belushi, but he wasn't wearing skates.
If someone wants to write a full recap, get it to me by 9:00 pm tonight.
Diablos 0 - Ice Gators 1
Not the prettiest effort by the Diablos last night. Another shut out by the ice gators. They scored a goal on their second shift of the game and then both teams skated in circles until they ran into each other.
Metaphorical highlight video (Diablos = Giggy)
Metaphorical highlight video (Diablos = Giggy)
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Gaborik vs. DiPietro
Hey Rick, whadya do to your hip?
UPDATE (1/28)
Hey Rick, how's the hip. Oh - Sorry, Rick.
(I like how Doc Emrick announces to DiPietro: "Here's Nash" - in case he wasn't paying attention. Which he wasn't)
UPDATE (1/28)
Hey Rick, how's the hip. Oh - Sorry, Rick.
(I like how Doc Emrick announces to DiPietro: "Here's Nash" - in case he wasn't paying attention. Which he wasn't)
Friday, January 25, 2008
Hockey Falls II and Mikko's Monday
Guys, whose turn is it to get the beer?
*I'm fully aware that after I put the last Hockey Falls video it took us a month and a half to score a goal, but I figure that by stating this up front, the hex brought upon the Diablos will be negated, or at least minimized.
I've been trying to get highlights from NHL.com embedded into the blog, but for some reason their code is goofy. I may have figured it out. I thought the Mikko Koivu goal at Vancouver on Monday and the following call out to the Vancouver bench was sweet as hell.
*There may be an advertisement at the beginning of the video - sorry, blame the NHL.
*I'm fully aware that after I put the last Hockey Falls video it took us a month and a half to score a goal, but I figure that by stating this up front, the hex brought upon the Diablos will be negated, or at least minimized.
I've been trying to get highlights from NHL.com embedded into the blog, but for some reason their code is goofy. I may have figured it out. I thought the Mikko Koivu goal at Vancouver on Monday and the following call out to the Vancouver bench was sweet as hell.
*There may be an advertisement at the beginning of the video - sorry, blame the NHL.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
New Toronto GM
Toronto extended their GM drama Wednesday when they hired Cliff Fletcher (and apparently it worked - they beat Washington last night 3-2). However, they could have hired Captain Crunch, Wendell Clark, who was one of the toughest SOB's ever to wear a C on his jersey. Clark put up 564 points and 1690 penalty minutes in 793 games over 14 seasons. Plus he was a badass.
Here's his dream rink - pretty cool.
Here's his dream rink - pretty cool.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Diablos 4 - Ak Bars 2
Diablos Melt the Snow Leopards
Sunday, January, 20, 2008.
Maplewood, MN. The stars were aligned for an upset with the second regular season meeting of the AHA D1 Diablos and the Ak Bars at Aldrich Arena in Maplewood Sunday night. The Ak Bars, Russian for Snow Leopards, had hit a skid after a strong start with two ties in their last four games and only just squeaked out a win over the Muskies D1 in their last game. The Diablos were rolling on a five game winning streak and had finally solved their nemesis the Nemesis two weeks ago. The Ak Bars had owned the Diablos with wins in the preseason and regular season and had outscored the team from hell 6-1 in the two games. The Diablos brought their A team and played a strong game to beat the Ak Bars 4-2 and earn a share of first place with the Ak Bars and Nemesis in a tightly contested D1 Western Division.
The Diablos opened the scoring in the middle of the first period when the line of C Ted Reiff, RW Ryan Carroll and LW John Blasingame broke the puck out of their zone and started an odd man rush into Ak Bar territory. Reiff took a pass from Carroll and buried it at 8:33 for the Diablos' first regular season goal against the Ak Bars behemoth goalie Trey Cain. The Ak Bars returned the favor at 3:21 of the period on the power play when winger Drew Jahr shot one past Diablos goalie Justin Alderink for his first goal of the season. Ak Bar standout J. Anderson and captain Larry Curtis picked up assists on the play. The Diablos took three minor penalties in the period but held the Ak Bars to just one power play goal.
The second period belonged to the Diablos despite having to kill off two more minor penalties. At 6:18 of the period LW Jarick Losey proved "that you should always put the puck on the net because good things can happen" when he flipped a shot from the corner toward the front of the net. The puck ricocheted off an Ak Bars defender and beat the Ak Bars' goalie for the Diablos' second goal of the game and a lead they would not give up again. No assists were awarded on the play, but C Dave Christenson and RW Monique Lindquist were instrumental in keeping the puck in the zone for Losey's shot. The eventual game winner came at 3:34 of the period when C Steve
Nelson broke out of his scoring funk and tipped in a D Andy Claypool shot from the blue line. Nelson's line of wingers Dean Groth and John Driscoll was the energy line all night and it was nice to see them rewarded.
The third period dissolved into a parade to the box for both teams with the Diablos taking five minor penalties and the Ak Bars three. The Diablos opened the scoring at 14:53 of the period when D Pieter VanZyl wristed a shot on goal from the left point that hit Blasingame in the seat of the pants as he screened the Ak Bars' goalie. Blasingame recovered his senses quickly and passed the puck across the crease to a waiting Reiff who buried it for Diablos fourth and final goal. The Ak Bars had a prime chance to get themselves back into the game at 14:09 when they went on a five on three power play and then a five on four, but they failed to convert.
Things were chippy at the end after the Ak Bars scored again to claw within two. At 5:59 of the third the Ak Bars' Anderson snuck another one past Alderink with assists from Curtis and Jahr. At 3:37 the Ak Bars' Trevor Tjelmelund, the team's second leading scorer behind Anderson, tried to pick a fight with Diablos' D "Big" Andy Suerth. Tjelmelund was frustrated because Suerth had shut him and the Ak Bars out all night with strong play and great positioning. As Tjelmelund's teammates and the referees rescued Tjelmelund, the Ak Bars' Pavel Zakharov tried to start something with Alderink.
Apparently the Ak Bars were not comfortable with being on the losing end of a game. Offsetting penalties were handed out and no damage was done. The Ak Bars had a last chance when they went back on the power play at 00:27 of the period. They pulled the goalie, but even at 6 on 4 couldn't beat Alderink. The best chance of the final flurry came when Reiff sent a shot on goal from his own end toward the empty net. An Ak Bar defender hustled back and just made the save to keep Reiff from his hat trick.
The Diablos got contributions from all four lines and offensive help from the defense to win an all round solid game. One goal came on a rush, one from hard work in the corner and two from shots from the blue line and hard work out front. Defensemen Suerth, Claypool, VanZyl, Captain Todd Ewing, and Mike Monroe played very well all game and phenomenally on the PK. C Peter
Sinesio's line with wingers Mat Lindquist and Rocco Bonello, while they didn't score this game, was solid and took the game to the Ak Bars all night. The only blemish on the night was the ten penalties assessed the Diablos, but penalty killers Reiff, Driscoll, Sinesio, Groth and Nelson, along with the defense, were up to the task. Shots on goal: Ak Bars 7-1-11 for 20, Diablos 8-6-6 for 20.
Both teams no doubt look forward to their final meeting on 03-08-08 in a game that could decide the season.
Up next:
The Ice Gators back at Aldrich Arena on Wednesday 01-30-08 at 10:05pm. Official AHA Scoresheet. - JB
Sunday, January, 20, 2008.
Maplewood, MN. The stars were aligned for an upset with the second regular season meeting of the AHA D1 Diablos and the Ak Bars at Aldrich Arena in Maplewood Sunday night. The Ak Bars, Russian for Snow Leopards, had hit a skid after a strong start with two ties in their last four games and only just squeaked out a win over the Muskies D1 in their last game. The Diablos were rolling on a five game winning streak and had finally solved their nemesis the Nemesis two weeks ago. The Ak Bars had owned the Diablos with wins in the preseason and regular season and had outscored the team from hell 6-1 in the two games. The Diablos brought their A team and played a strong game to beat the Ak Bars 4-2 and earn a share of first place with the Ak Bars and Nemesis in a tightly contested D1 Western Division.
The Diablos opened the scoring in the middle of the first period when the line of C Ted Reiff, RW Ryan Carroll and LW John Blasingame broke the puck out of their zone and started an odd man rush into Ak Bar territory. Reiff took a pass from Carroll and buried it at 8:33 for the Diablos' first regular season goal against the Ak Bars behemoth goalie Trey Cain. The Ak Bars returned the favor at 3:21 of the period on the power play when winger Drew Jahr shot one past Diablos goalie Justin Alderink for his first goal of the season. Ak Bar standout J. Anderson and captain Larry Curtis picked up assists on the play. The Diablos took three minor penalties in the period but held the Ak Bars to just one power play goal.
The second period belonged to the Diablos despite having to kill off two more minor penalties. At 6:18 of the period LW Jarick Losey proved "that you should always put the puck on the net because good things can happen" when he flipped a shot from the corner toward the front of the net. The puck ricocheted off an Ak Bars defender and beat the Ak Bars' goalie for the Diablos' second goal of the game and a lead they would not give up again. No assists were awarded on the play, but C Dave Christenson and RW Monique Lindquist were instrumental in keeping the puck in the zone for Losey's shot. The eventual game winner came at 3:34 of the period when C Steve
Nelson broke out of his scoring funk and tipped in a D Andy Claypool shot from the blue line. Nelson's line of wingers Dean Groth and John Driscoll was the energy line all night and it was nice to see them rewarded.
The third period dissolved into a parade to the box for both teams with the Diablos taking five minor penalties and the Ak Bars three. The Diablos opened the scoring at 14:53 of the period when D Pieter VanZyl wristed a shot on goal from the left point that hit Blasingame in the seat of the pants as he screened the Ak Bars' goalie. Blasingame recovered his senses quickly and passed the puck across the crease to a waiting Reiff who buried it for Diablos fourth and final goal. The Ak Bars had a prime chance to get themselves back into the game at 14:09 when they went on a five on three power play and then a five on four, but they failed to convert.
Things were chippy at the end after the Ak Bars scored again to claw within two. At 5:59 of the third the Ak Bars' Anderson snuck another one past Alderink with assists from Curtis and Jahr. At 3:37 the Ak Bars' Trevor Tjelmelund, the team's second leading scorer behind Anderson, tried to pick a fight with Diablos' D "Big" Andy Suerth. Tjelmelund was frustrated because Suerth had shut him and the Ak Bars out all night with strong play and great positioning. As Tjelmelund's teammates and the referees rescued Tjelmelund, the Ak Bars' Pavel Zakharov tried to start something with Alderink.
Apparently the Ak Bars were not comfortable with being on the losing end of a game. Offsetting penalties were handed out and no damage was done. The Ak Bars had a last chance when they went back on the power play at 00:27 of the period. They pulled the goalie, but even at 6 on 4 couldn't beat Alderink. The best chance of the final flurry came when Reiff sent a shot on goal from his own end toward the empty net. An Ak Bar defender hustled back and just made the save to keep Reiff from his hat trick.
The Diablos got contributions from all four lines and offensive help from the defense to win an all round solid game. One goal came on a rush, one from hard work in the corner and two from shots from the blue line and hard work out front. Defensemen Suerth, Claypool, VanZyl, Captain Todd Ewing, and Mike Monroe played very well all game and phenomenally on the PK. C Peter
Sinesio's line with wingers Mat Lindquist and Rocco Bonello, while they didn't score this game, was solid and took the game to the Ak Bars all night. The only blemish on the night was the ten penalties assessed the Diablos, but penalty killers Reiff, Driscoll, Sinesio, Groth and Nelson, along with the defense, were up to the task. Shots on goal: Ak Bars 7-1-11 for 20, Diablos 8-6-6 for 20.
Both teams no doubt look forward to their final meeting on 03-08-08 in a game that could decide the season.
Up next:
The Ice Gators back at Aldrich Arena on Wednesday 01-30-08 at 10:05pm. Official AHA Scoresheet. - JB
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
MTV Cribs: Kickin' it NHL Style
If you haven't seen this yet, it's pretty cool.
Tour the Wild Locker Room
Of course, those Diablos that have season tickets have already made this visit. If you look closely, you'll see Suerth's name written in Sharpie in the steam room.
Tour the Wild Locker Room
Of course, those Diablos that have season tickets have already made this visit. If you look closely, you'll see Suerth's name written in Sharpie in the steam room.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
Diablo 3 - Buccaneers 2
Hockeytown, USA. The Diablos Hockey Club kept their win streak alive and are still within a sniff of the top spot of the AHA D1 West Standings with a win against the AHA Buccaneers last Sunday night. The Diablos were able to hang on against a strong skating and determined Bucs squad although they missed many scoring opportunities, had a few too many meltdowns in their defensive zone, and racked up ten minutes in penalties.
All of the Diablo tallies occurred in the second period. John Driscoll continued his scoring tear with a pair of ringers. The first one came during the first shift of the second period with a breakaway wrister. The second came at 2:09 with another wrister to the short side of the keeper. Ted Reiff and Andy Suerth earned assists by handing it off to Driscoll from their own zone. At 1:05, Ryan Carroll was able to put in the game winner from a Peter Vanzyl assist.
Unfortunately, the Buccaneers answered :11 seconds later with a goal and after pulling their goalie in the third, finished another one with 13 ticks left on the clock. The Diablos escaped with no further damage done.
The Diablos were outshot 33 to 32 with Diablo goaltender Justin Alderink stopping all but two. The Diablos have an opportunity to muck up the D1 West standings for the second time in three games with a matchup against the league leading Ak Bars. The game is on Sunday @ 10:10 at the historic Aldrich Arena. - TR Official AHA Scoresheet
All of the Diablo tallies occurred in the second period. John Driscoll continued his scoring tear with a pair of ringers. The first one came during the first shift of the second period with a breakaway wrister. The second came at 2:09 with another wrister to the short side of the keeper. Ted Reiff and Andy Suerth earned assists by handing it off to Driscoll from their own zone. At 1:05, Ryan Carroll was able to put in the game winner from a Peter Vanzyl assist.
Unfortunately, the Buccaneers answered :11 seconds later with a goal and after pulling their goalie in the third, finished another one with 13 ticks left on the clock. The Diablos escaped with no further damage done.
The Diablos were outshot 33 to 32 with Diablo goaltender Justin Alderink stopping all but two. The Diablos have an opportunity to muck up the D1 West standings for the second time in three games with a matchup against the league leading Ak Bars. The game is on Sunday @ 10:10 at the historic Aldrich Arena. - TR Official AHA Scoresheet
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
The Official Diablo Position on the Writer's Strike
The Diablos are officially against the writer's strike. We want to watch CSI - Whatever and The Office and are officially sick of watching crap like this.
Hillary! Hillary! Hillary!
Apparently we have some Hillary Clinton supporters on the Diablos. Here is the Official Diablo Position on Hillary Clinton.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Diablos 3 - Nemesis 1
Golden Valley, MN - The D1 West Diablos were able win their biggest hockey game of the season on Saturday with a 3 - 1 win over the second place Nemesis. The Diablos were able take advantage of a Peter Sinesio putaway and two Dean Groth goals while keeping the Nemesis from getting too cozy in front of goaltender Justin Alderink. The win gives the Diablos two crucial points in the tightening D1 West standings.
The Diablo game plan was to keep the high flying Nemesis from getting too many skaters moving the puck in the neutral zone, while getting some quality shots off on their own. The Diablos started off with a first period goal from Sinesio after Larry Eckman was able to free the puck up and throw it toward the goal. A few shifts later, Sinesio was in the vicinity of a falling Nemesis player and was sent off with a trip. The ensuing penalty kill was full of opportunities... for the Diablos. John Driscoll threw a puck toward the net and Groth was there for the finisher.
Although the Nemesis out-shot the Diablos 40 - 28, the Nemesis was mostly stymied by Diablo's netminder, Justin Alderink. The second period brought the Nemesis their best opportunity when Stanger, the D1 West leading goal scorer, converted on a breakaway. After that, Alderink was golden, keeping all shots out of the back of the Diablo net.
The Nemesis had a generous stretch during the third period and the Diablos found themselves on a 5 on 3 powerplay. Groth potted his second goal of the night after he was able to pick up a rebound off of an Andy Suerth slapper. At that point, the Diablo plumbers kept the Nemesis from organizing any substantial comeback.
With the two points, the Diablos are now tied for second with the Nemesis with 14 apiece. The Ak Bars are first with 16 and will be the Diablo opponent in two weeks, however, the red hot Buccaneers are next on the schedule. That match up will take place at West Side / Yackel Arena next Sunday at 5:30 pm.
Official AHA Scoresheet. - TR
The Diablo game plan was to keep the high flying Nemesis from getting too many skaters moving the puck in the neutral zone, while getting some quality shots off on their own. The Diablos started off with a first period goal from Sinesio after Larry Eckman was able to free the puck up and throw it toward the goal. A few shifts later, Sinesio was in the vicinity of a falling Nemesis player and was sent off with a trip. The ensuing penalty kill was full of opportunities... for the Diablos. John Driscoll threw a puck toward the net and Groth was there for the finisher.
Although the Nemesis out-shot the Diablos 40 - 28, the Nemesis was mostly stymied by Diablo's netminder, Justin Alderink. The second period brought the Nemesis their best opportunity when Stanger, the D1 West leading goal scorer, converted on a breakaway. After that, Alderink was golden, keeping all shots out of the back of the Diablo net.
The Nemesis had a generous stretch during the third period and the Diablos found themselves on a 5 on 3 powerplay. Groth potted his second goal of the night after he was able to pick up a rebound off of an Andy Suerth slapper. At that point, the Diablo plumbers kept the Nemesis from organizing any substantial comeback.
With the two points, the Diablos are now tied for second with the Nemesis with 14 apiece. The Ak Bars are first with 16 and will be the Diablo opponent in two weeks, however, the red hot Buccaneers are next on the schedule. That match up will take place at West Side / Yackel Arena next Sunday at 5:30 pm.
Official AHA Scoresheet. - TR
Friday, January 4, 2008
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Winter Classic Overtime
In case you missed it, here is the overtime from the winter classic. Great game if you could withstand all of the breaks to fix the soft ice.
And here is the shootout.
And here is the shootout.
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