Posts Tagged ‘NHL Memorabilia’
Stanley Cup Finals Tied Up!
Chicago Blackhawks have lost their 2 game lead and are now back to square one. The Blackhawks have now lost 10 consecutive games in Philadelphia, however, they return home to the windy city tonight for game 5.
Chicago cut a three-goal deficit to 4-3 in the third period, but Jeff Carter scored an empty-net goal at 19:35. “We wanted to win at least one on the road,” Toews said. ”We had a lot of success before coming in here. It’s frustrating when you’re that close, but tonight was kind of like Wednesday night where it was too little, too late.”
Besides the fact that the Blackhawks spent too much time in the penalty box, their top three scorers continued to struggle. Maybe they will have to switch their lines around to create more scoring opportunities. Patrick Kane was minus 4 for the night. Jonathan Toews and Dustin Byfuglien had three shots on goal each and failed to score.
“It wasn’t good enough,” said Chicago captain Jonathan Toews. ”I don’t know if it was their crowd that gets them going, but we’ve got to find a way in this building. We need to click better from the start when we come back for Game 6. We’ll be ready for that when we do. We’ll put this one behind us and get excited that we’re playing at home again.”
The Chicago Blackhawks remain confident even after their 2 losses away from home. With the backing of a crowd in excess of 22,000 screaming fans, Chicago should be able to pull off a win tonight in game 5.
What is Philography?
Many people collect autographs to commemorate their favorite celebrities, political figures and sports stars. Few people, though, are aware that there is actually a technical term for this pastime: philography. Of course, whether you opt for a John Hancock from your favorite Supreme Court Justice or some autographed NHL memorabilia is up to you; however, there are some common criteria for gauging the value of all autographed products.
Obviously, one of the paramount concerns is who actually signed the item and how well its authenticity can be verified. The object that has signed also has a drastic impact on the price; a signed piece of legislation or a baseball used in the World Series will predictably be worth more than a signature scribbled on the back of a cocktail napkin. The condition of the autograph and whether it was written in pen or pencil also are considered when determining the value.
NHL Playoffs in Full Swing
With a grueling regular season and an equally arduous postseason, many believe that the Stanley Cup is the most difficult championship trophy to hoist. Over half of all NHL teams make the playoffs, and the team that eventually is crowned champion will have to survive four best-of-seven series. Many players grow beards during the playoffs as a display of camaraderie and symbol of the brutish nature that many believe it takes to excel.
The NHL playoffs have been underway for over a week now and, somewhat surprisingly, there won’t be any sweeps in the first round. The Canadians and the Penguins, the two squads that met in last years finals, both have a secure 3-1 advantage over their opponents in the first round. While the NHL may not get the same media attention as the other professional sports leagues, there is certainly no shortage of diehard fans sporting NHL merchandise this time of year.
Home Team Spirit
Living in San Jose, the sporting scene is severely limited. Being from Texas, I grew up a diehard football fan, and while the Raiders and the 49ers are close by, it is difficult for me to consider them hometown teams. In an effort to satiate my local sports appetite, I began following the San Jose Sharks on a regular basis a few years ago.
At first, I didn’t even understand the game, but now hockey has grown into my favorite sport. It has all of the hitting and physicality that I love about football, except there are far fewer stoppages during game play. I have even dedicated my TV room to the hometown Sharks and equipped it with NHL lamps, posters and other memorabilia
Two For Two! Canada’s Mens and Womens Hockey Teams Take Gold!
She shoots she scores! He shoots he scores! With the wrap up of Olympic hockey Canada has swept the podium! The womens’ hockey team took their gold medal first followed by the mens’ team today.
Watching these games was a fantastic experience for many Canadians. The 2-0 win for the Canadian Women’s team over the United States on Thursday made it 3 Gold Medals in a row for the Canadians. Marie-Philip Poulin scored both goals and Shannon Szabados made 28 saves. After burying their goalie, the Canadian women’s team received their gold medals.
It was a huge disappointment for the United States as they took the silver medal. One would think that they would have been happy to receive a silver medal, but for these women it looked like they were in last place. As they were presented with their silver medals quite a few of them had tears in their eyes. It wasn’t until the end of the line when the medals were presented to two goalies when true Olympic spirit showed through. What wonderful smiles and excitement from those two women.
What an exciting game for the men’s team today. The Canadians had a 2-0 lead in the first period with goals scored by Jonathan Toews and Corey Perry. The United States got on the board with a goal from Vancouver Canucks centre Ryan Kesler in the second period. The United States pulled their goalie with 1:30 left on the clock. It looked as though it was all over for the United States until Zach Parise scored with 24.4 seconds left in the game forcing a 20-minute overtime period.
This game was definitely an “edge of your seat” type of game. With the Olympic Gold Medal up for grabs by either of these teams it was anyone’s game. But with a flick of a stick Sidney Crosby fired the puck into the American’s net. And the crowd went wild! Canada Hockey Place was full of red Canadian Olympic Team Jerseys that looked like a huge red sea. And the crowds continue to go wild all over Canada! What a great performance!
The Collecting Bug
Collecting is an ageless hobby that transcends cultures and generations. While the goods that are collected will vary, there is something undeniably compelling in amassing a trove of souvenirs or mementos. Although my collection hasn’t been added to in quite some time, like many American males my collecting is centered on sports memorabilia.
One of my favorite items to collect is autographs; there is something surreal in knowing that a legend of the game actually held the item that is now a part of your collection. Some people go for autographed pictures or playing cards, but I prefer the authentic uniform from the sport—it’s even better if it is actually game worn. My selection of autographed NHL jerseys is hands down the crown jewel of my cache.NHL
Leafs Win As Phaneuf Makes Debut
The Toronto Maple Leafs had something to cheer about last night at the Air Canada Center. The Leafs ended a six game losing streak to beat the New Jerseys Devils 3-0. The Leafs new defenseman, Dion Phaneuf, helped the leafs take a very needed win.
Phaneuf arrived in Toronto from Calgary as part of a seven player deal made on Sunday. Arriving from Calgary with Phaneuf is forward Fredrik Sjostrom. Sjostrom said that the Toronto Maple Leafs and their fans can expect more of the same results. Sjostrom had an assist during his first game last night while Phaneuf failed to earn a point. Phaneuf, however, did prove himself as a force to be reckoned with. Sjostrom said; ”He plays with heart and soul out there, tough, tough hockey. You’re going to see that every night from him.”
Toronto coach Ron Wilson said; “Dion got a couple of good hits in early and just the fact that he’s on the ice, the other team is looking before they ever attempt anything, so that’s nice. Any puck that gets in his wheelhouse he’s going to pound it in the general direction of the net. He moves the puck really well. He’s an excellent skater. It really wasn’t anything I didn’t know about him.”
Being a Leaf fan myself I will be watching the Leafs with a new sense of hope and perhaps even be able to toast the Leafs with one of my Toronto Maple Leafs Glasses.
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!