Archive for January, 2010
Building an NHL Shrine
Ever since I was little I have been an avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan, so when I finally got my own place, I decided to dedicate my game room to my favorite squad. The centerpiece of the room was an antique billiards table, so I looked for some paraphernalia to complement it. I was able to find a variety of Maple Leafs pool accessories, including a cue rack and dartboard to adorn the wall.
As I expanded my collection, I even invested in billiard lights and bar stools from my favorite team. After finding a specialty site that carried a vast range of products, I added a couple of authentic NHL clocks. Now whenever I check out the time I’m reminded of my favorite team, and I never forget to watch a game.
Bobby Orr’s “Moment In Time”
Today I would like to put the spotlight on Bobby Orr, one of the greatest hockey players in the history of the game, if not the greatest player of all time.
I am lucky enough to own a piece of Orr’s history in the NHL with the Boston Bruins with a framed copy of Bobby Orr’s “Moment In Time”. Having a hand signed copy of this amazing picture is a fantastic thing.
Bobby Orr’s first season with the NHL, playing for the Boston Bruins, showed the fans just how talented the young man was at only 18 years old. He got his first point in that game with an assist. Orr had a great first season winning the Calder Trophy as the best rookie and also made the NHL’s Second All-Star Team. He was second in the league in scoring by defensemen and was a plus-30. Orr won his first Stanley Cup in 1970. The Boston Bruins hadn’t won the Stanley Cup in 29 years.
Bobby Orr’s “Moment In Time” occurred on May 10, 1970 in game 4 of the Stanley Cup finals between the Boston Bruins and the Saint Louis Blues. Boston led the series 3 games to none. With Orr coming in from the blue line to keep the puck in the St. Louis zone, he shot the puck into the corner where Derek Sanderson took control. Orr raced toward the net and Sanderson passed the puck to him. After Orr scored, Blues defenseman Noel Picard hooked Orr’s skate with his stick and catapulted Orr through the air to create one of the most famous sports pictures of all time.
At :40 in overtime of game 4, #4 Bobby Orr scored Boston’s 4th goal as the Bruins go 4 straight to win their first Stanley Cup in 29 years.
Thrashers Take a Beating From The Capitals
The Atlanta Trashers were destroyed last night by the Washington Capitals 8-1 at the Philips Arena in Atlanta. Atlanta’s record now 19-19-6 gives them 44 points for the season. Last night’s game certainly didn’t give their fans anything to cheer about.
Maxim Afinogenov scored the only goal for the Thrashers. The goal was assisted by Pavel Kubina and Tobias Enstrom. The assist gave Kubina his 20th for the season. While Enstrom now has the team high for the season at 32 and has 35 points. He is tied 8th overall for the NHL in assists and is ranked 4th among defensemen for points and is tied for 3rd for assists.
The Thrashers went through two goalies. Johan Hedberg took the loss for his team. He made five saves on nine shots. He was replaced in the second period by Ondrej Pavelec. Pavelec didn’t have much luck either making 24 saves on 28 shots. Both goalies let in 4 goals. Washington’s goalie Michal Neuvirth faced 39 shots only letting in one goal.
The Thrashers will face the Ottawa Sentors at the Philips Arena for the first time this season on Tuesday, January 12th at 7p.m. Hopefully they will give their fans something to cheer about on Tuesday and maybe they could raise a glass or two for their team. It might help if they have some NHL Atlanta Thrashers glasses to toast them with.
Ovechkin Adds a “C” to His Jersey
Alex Ovechkin made his debut as captain of the Washington Capitals last night in a game against the Montreal Canadiens. Ovechkin, 24, of Moscow is the 6th Russian native to be a captain in the NHL. He is the Capitals 14th captain and the second youngest captain in the team’s history. The youngest captain at the age of 21 was Ryan Walter in the 1979-80 season. Ovechkin takes over from Chris Clark who was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 28th.
Washington general manager George McPhee and coach Bruce Boudreau made the decision to name Ovechkin as the new captain. Ovechkin told them to talk to his teammates first before he would accept the position.
“Our team has adopted Alex’s personality and the energy, passion and drive to win that are his hallmarks have become our team’s as well,” GM George McPhee said in a press release. “He sets the tone on the ice as well as off. He’s respectful to everyone and a great ambassador for our team and our sport. We look forward to him leading the Washington Capitals for a long time.”
With Ovechkin’s new position, I’m sure that the Ovechkin jerseys will be selling like hot cakes!
The Feel of a Franchise
Let’s face it—despite the fact that we are constantly preached the old adage of “don’t judge a book by its cover,” we are all influenced by appearances. One place where this is most evident is in professional sports. Although the players on a team largely create a squad’s character, the logo and uniform color scheme also plays a role in how we view the franchise.
In the NHL, for example, the NHL team logo, name and colors of the New Jersey Devils conjures up images of aggressive play and ruthless defense—although this was also the case during their glory days in around the turn of the millennium. Teams such as the St. Louis Blues, on the other hand, I always associate with finesse and somewhat timid play. This is in large part due to their team name and colors I am sure.